The EU is set to propose new age-based rules that could restrict children under 15 from using social media, video-sharing platforms, AI chatbots, and online gaming services independently. The proposal is part of a wider plan to make digital platforms safer for children. The European Commission’s document says the rules are aimed at allowing children to benefit from digital services while protecting them from online abuse, exploitation and other risks. It needs to limit the access of tech companies to our children, and not the other way around. The plan is part of the proposed ‘EU Kids Act’, which European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen are expected to present this week. What the EU’s age-based rules could look like The proposal would introduce different levels of access depending on a child’s age: The exact rules could still change before the proposal is formally announced. Social media and AI platforms could face stricter duties The proposed rules would cover major digital services, including social media, video-sharing platforms, AI chatbots and online games. Companies could be required to: For online gaming platforms, age verification would reportedly be required before children can download games. Also read: Meta to report child sexual abuse cases to Indian govt: Agrees to share info with security agencies after talks
Tech companies may have to fund enforcement The proposal also includes a supervisory fee for companies. The money would help fund regulators responsible for monitoring platforms and enforcing the new rules. Many social media companies already set a minimum sign-up age of 13, but the EU’s proposed framework could introduce stricter and more consistent requirements across different online services. France also moves to restrict children’s social media use The EU proposal comes as several European countries push for tighter controls on children’s social media use. France recently submitted a revised plan to the European Commission to restrict social media access for children. The country’s earlier legislation was struck down by France’s Constitutional Council in August after it found that parts of the law unnecessarily interfered with freedom of expression. French President Emmanuel Macron said the government had submitted the revised proposal after completing technical work. Macron has made restricting children’s social media use a major priority and wants the new rules to be in place before he leaves office next year.
Countries restricting social media for children Australia was the first country to enforce a nationwide ban on social media for children under 16, with the rules taking effect in December 2025.
Indonesia has also introduced an under-16 social media ban, while Malaysia has moved to restrict social media access for users under 16. Several European countries, including France, are also working on tighter age limits and restrictions for children. Also read: Nvidia CEO gets Trump’s call on growing AI fears: US Prez says robots aren’t going to be taking over the world
Proposal still needs approval The EU plan is not yet law. After the European Commission presents its proposal, it will have to be discussed and negotiated with EU member states and the European Parliament. The final rules, including the exact age limits and requirements for tech companies, could therefore change before they are adopted.
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