The European Union is preparing a sweeping child-online-safety proposal that would restrict access to social media, video-sharing platforms, AI chatbots and online games for users under 15.
The plan is still a proposal, not an active EU-wide ban. Reuters reported that the draft Kids Act would create age-based access tiers, require stronger parental controls and prohibit design practices considered addictive for children.
Proposed age tiers
| Age | Proposed access model |
|---|---|
| Under 3 | No access to covered services |
| 3-12 | Parent-controlled child-friendly services |
| 13-14 | Introductory accounts with strict parental controls |
| 15+ | Independent accounts, subject to normal platform rules |
Details may change before the European Commission formally presents the text. The European Parliament and EU member states would then negotiate the final law.
Which services could be covered?
The proposal is broader than a social-media age limit. It reportedly includes video-sharing services, generative AI chatbots and online games, bringing companies such as Meta, TikTok, YouTube and AI providers into the same child-safety debate.
Coverage will depend on legal definitions. A messaging app, educational chatbot or multiplayer game may have different risks and features, so the final text will need to explain which obligations apply to which service.
How age verification might work
A restriction is only enforceable if platforms can estimate or verify age. Options include device-based age credentials, identity documents, payment checks, facial age estimation or parental approval.
Every method has trade-offs. Strong identity checks can create privacy risks, while simple self-declaration is easy to bypass. An EU system will need to prove age without collecting more personal data than necessary.
The draft also reportedly requires parental controls, easy reporting tools and limits on addictive design. That could affect infinite scroll, autoplay, aggressive notifications, reward streaks and recommendation systems aimed at maximising time spent.
Why the EU is considering the change
Policymakers cite concerns about compulsive use, harmful content, grooming, cyberbullying and the emotional impact of algorithmic feeds. AI chatbots add newer risks because children may treat generated responses as authoritative, disclose personal information or receive unsafe advice.
Platforms argue that online services also provide education, creativity and social connection. A rigid age ban could push young users toward smaller, less regulated services or encourage false birth dates.
What happens next
The Commission must publish a final proposal. Parliament and national governments can amend it, and negotiations may take months or longer. Companies would then receive an implementation period.
Parents should therefore not expect accounts to disappear immediately. Existing EU rules, including the Digital Services Act and national child-protection laws, continue to apply while the new proposal is debated.
Sources: Reuters, European Commission digital policy and Digital Services Act.
Frequently asked questions
Has the EU already banned social media for under-15s?
No. The reported Kids Act is a proposal that still requires formal presentation and negotiation.
Would AI chatbots be included?
Reuters reported that the draft includes AI chatbots alongside social media, video platforms and online games.
When could the rules start?
No final start date is confirmed. The proposal must pass the EU legislative process first.
