14.09.2026, 18:42
The European Commission has prepared a bill on the restriction of social networks for children under 15 years of age
Source: OREANDA-NEWS
OREANDA-NEWS The European Commission has prepared a bill to restrict access of children under the age of 15 to social networks and video sharing platforms, Politico reports, citing preparatory documents.
According to the publication, on September 17, the EC will introduce a new EU KIDS Act law setting age limits, as well as new rules requiring that relevant products, such as social networks and AI companions, be secure in their architecture, that is, based on the principle of "default security."
The proposal provides for the creation of a "multi-level system of access to social networks under parental control for children under 15 years of age." The decision to strengthen the protection of minors on social media came amid sharp criticism from health experts, politicians, and parents concerned about the impact of platforms such as TikTok and others on children's mental health.
The publication notes that this was preceded by "months of strong pressure from the leaders of the states (in particular, French President Emmanuel Macron), demanding that this issue be made a priority on the political agenda." Austria, Denmark, France, Greece and Spain are already actively working on the adoption of national laws restricting children's access to social networks.
EC President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to provide more detailed information in her policy report on the state of the European Union on September 16 at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
EC official representative Olof Gill confirmed at a briefing on September 14 that the presentation of the new law is scheduled for September 17. This EU proposal will apply to social networks, video sharing platforms, online games, as well as chatbots and AI companions, but will not affect educational tools.
As follows from the preparatory documents, the initiative also includes a number of measures to educate and educate children, parents and guardians. Earlier this year, a group of experts in the field of health and technology, convened by von der Leyen, presented similar recommendations on limiting access to "social media plus" (social media+), including services like AI companions.
Politico notes that the text of the bill can still be changed before its official presentation on Thursday. In the future, it will have to be coordinated with the EU states and the European Parliament.
According to the publication, on September 17, the EC will introduce a new EU KIDS Act law setting age limits, as well as new rules requiring that relevant products, such as social networks and AI companions, be secure in their architecture, that is, based on the principle of "default security."
The proposal provides for the creation of a "multi-level system of access to social networks under parental control for children under 15 years of age." The decision to strengthen the protection of minors on social media came amid sharp criticism from health experts, politicians, and parents concerned about the impact of platforms such as TikTok and others on children's mental health.
The publication notes that this was preceded by "months of strong pressure from the leaders of the states (in particular, French President Emmanuel Macron), demanding that this issue be made a priority on the political agenda." Austria, Denmark, France, Greece and Spain are already actively working on the adoption of national laws restricting children's access to social networks.
EC President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to provide more detailed information in her policy report on the state of the European Union on September 16 at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
EC official representative Olof Gill confirmed at a briefing on September 14 that the presentation of the new law is scheduled for September 17. This EU proposal will apply to social networks, video sharing platforms, online games, as well as chatbots and AI companions, but will not affect educational tools.
As follows from the preparatory documents, the initiative also includes a number of measures to educate and educate children, parents and guardians. Earlier this year, a group of experts in the field of health and technology, convened by von der Leyen, presented similar recommendations on limiting access to "social media plus" (social media+), including services like AI companions.
Politico notes that the text of the bill can still be changed before its official presentation on Thursday. In the future, it will have to be coordinated with the EU states and the European Parliament.
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