EU Proposes Restrictions on Social Media Access for Users Under 15

The European Union has announced plans to restrict social media access for individuals under the age of 15 across its member states, aiming to enhance wellbeing and improve online safety. The proposed regulations would gradually limit children's use of social media, including a ban on access for those under 13 years old. Users aged 13 to 15 would be allowed to access platforms for one hour per day through 'mini accounts' linked to their parent or guardian's social media account. The European Commission stated that social media companies must demonstrate that their platforms are safe by design or face fines of up to 6% of their global sales. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen emphasized that the legislation, referred to as the EU Kids Act, would empower parents with tools to help their children navigate a safer online environment. The restrictions would apply not only to popular apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat but also to YouTube, AI chatbots, and online games. Von der Leyen noted that many children are exposed to online environments that they are not prepared to handle, which can lead to issues such as bullying. Under the proposed act, only individuals aged 15 and older would be permitted to create their own social media accounts. Von der Leyen also stated that an age limit does not absolve tech companies of responsibility for the content on their platforms. If approved, the legislation would require companies to submit detailed child safety plans and adhere to the principle of safety by design, eliminating toxic or addictive features. Some EU countries, including France and Spain, have already initiated their own plans to restrict social media for children. While any EU-wide legislation would take precedence, individual member states could implement stricter measures. There are concerns regarding the enforcement of this legislation, as seen in France, where a proposed ban on social media for under-15s was blocked by the country's top court for infringing on freedom of expression. Critics have raised privacy concerns about the age verification process that may require teenagers to provide personal information. The Commission has stated that age verification would utilize the EU's existing age verification app without collecting or sharing personal data. As the act is debated, social media companies will clarify their positions on the restrictions. Von der Leyen had previously suggested a social media 'delay' for children in Europe, highlighting the need for a minimum age for social media access. The policy was formally outlined following her annual address. The European Commission cited a robust body of evidence regarding the harms of social media. In July, the EU mandated that Meta modify the 'addictive' design of Facebook and Instagram or face significant fines. Preliminary findings indicated that features like infinite scroll and autoplaying videos could promote compulsive use among children and teens. A spokesperson for Meta disagreed with these findings, asserting that the company has taken significant steps to protect teenagers. In August, Meta reached an $18 billion settlement with U.S. states and territories over claims that Facebook and Instagram harmed children, denying any wrongdoing. The proposed legislation is based on recommendations from the Commission's special panel on child safety online, which advocated for age-appropriate regulations. Recent EU survey data indicated that 92% of respondents viewed strengthening children's online protection as a top policy priority. Von der Leyen noted that the Commission considered Australia's ban on social media platforms for under-16s when developing the proposal, although enforcement has proven challenging. A similar ban for under-16s is set to be implemented in the UK in spring next year.