Full Breakdown
European Union (EU) Pushes Pan-European Rules to Limit Minors’ Access to Social Media
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – EU Kids Act Proposal
The European Commission will unveil a draft law, the “EU Kids Act,” imposing age-based restrictions on social-media, video-sharing platforms and AI-driven chatbots. Presented on September 17, 2026, it sets a minimum age of 15 for unrestricted accounts, allows parental-supervised “introductory” accounts for ages 13-15, and requires fully guardian-controlled accounts for under-13 users. Platforms must meet “safety-by-design” standards, use verification technology, and follow an enforcement modelled on the Digital Services Act.
Background and Context
EU pressure to curb the mental-health impact of TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and Snapchat has grown. National initiatives in Austria, Denmark, France, Greece and Spain have already introduced or proposed age limits. France’s earlier ban on under-15 use was struck down in August 2026; President Emmanuel Macron submitted a revised draft to the Commission on September 14, 2026, aiming for EU-wide alignment.
Key Figures
- Ursula von der Leyen – President of the European Commission, presenter of the EU Kids Act.
- Henna Virkkunen – EU Commissioner for the Internal Market, responsible for online safety.
- Emmanuel Macron – President of France, advocate of a Europe-wide ban for under-15s.
Data and Proposed Measures
- Age thresholds: Under 13 – guardian-controlled accounts; 13-15 – introductory accounts with limits on stranger contact and screen-time; 15+ – unrestricted accounts.
- Feature restrictions: The French draft lists roughly ten “addictive” functions (e.g., automatic video playback, night-time notifications, communication with unknown accounts) to be disabled for under-15 users.
- Enforcement: Companies would face supervisory fees and penalties, mirroring the Digital Services Act and the Artificial Intelligence Act.
- Scope: Applies to social-media, video-sharing platforms, online games and AI companions, but excludes educational tools.
Official Statements & Responses
Commission spokesperson Olof Gill confirmed the act’s September 17 presentation. Von der Leyen is expected to argue that platforms must be “safe by design” and that the EU already has the legal tools to protect children. Virkkunen emphasized balancing children’s right to information with protection from harmful features. Macron reiterated his commitment to “protect our children online” and urged EU adoption of a harmonised ban.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Since the first day, I have made a commitment: to protect our children online. We will go all the way,” — Emmanuel Macron
- “We have to find right balance so it can’t be that kind of blanket ban,” — Henna Virkkunen
What’s Next
The EU Kids Act will be debated by the European Parliament and member-state governments after its Thursday presentation. If adopted, it could become binding across the 27-member bloc before the end of 2026, with national regulators overseeing smaller firms and the Commission handling high-risk platforms. France will await the Commission’s response before finalising its own timetable, aiming for the ban to take effect before Macron leaves office in spring 2027.