- The European Commission plans to ban the use of social media for children under the age of 13, with children only able to create personal accounts once they turn 15.
- Major social media platforms already have a minimum age of 13 in their terms and conditions, but EU regulators have criticized them for failing to enforce the age limit.
- The bill outlining the ban is expected to be presented in more detail on Thursday, with the European Parliament and EU countries set to scrutinize and potentially amend the proposal before reaching a final agreement.
Strasbourg, France (dpa) – The European Commission plans to ban the use of social media for children under the age of 13, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday.
“I am aware that many perceive the power of big tech as overwhelming, and impossible to roll back. I disagree,” von der Leyen said in an address to EU lawmakers in Strasbourg.
Under the plans, children will have access to social media under parental supervision from 13 years old, but will only be able to create a personal account once they turn 15.
Major social media platforms already set a minimum age of 13 in their terms and conditions. EU regulators have however repeatedly criticized them for failing to enforce the age limit.
The bill is expected to be presented in more detail on Thursday.
The European Parliament and EU countries are then to scrutinize and amend the proposal. It could take months or even years before an agreement on the final version of the law is reached.
