EU plans new rules for social media and chatbots for children under 15

In short: The EU is preparing new rules that would limit access to social media, some gaming platforms and AI chatbots for children under 15 unless parents are involved.

What happened

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the EU wants “no social media under the age of 13” and “no personal account under the age of 15.” The plan is part of a wider push to protect children online.

The details are expected in a proposal called the “Kids Act,” due to be presented on Thursday. The move follows pressure from several EU countries, including France and Greece, that have pushed for tighter limits on children’s access to social media.

A draft seen by the Financial Times says children under 13 would only be allowed to use these services with parental supervision. Children aged 13 to 15 would only be able to create accounts with parental controls and certain limits, such as time limits.

Social media companies, online gaming services and AI chatbot providers would need to add safeguards to reduce abuse and addictive behavior. AI companion and chatbot services would also need to avoid designs that encourage unhealthy emotional attachment or harmful conversations.

Under the draft, companies would have to check a user’s age using an official verification app (like showing ID at the door, but on your phone). Firms that do not follow the rules could face fines of up to 6 percent of their global annual turnover.

Why it matters

If these rules pass, they could change what many children in Europe can do online and how parents can control it. They would also push companies to prove their services are safe for minors, instead of leaving families to figure it out on their own.

Source: Financial Times