Full Breakdown
EU Proposal to Bar Children Under 13 from Social Media, Games and Chatbots
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Core Proposal Presented in Strasbourg
During her annual State of the European Union address in Strasbourg, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a plan to prohibit children younger than 13 from accessing social-media platforms, online games and AI chatbots. The draft also envisions “mini-accounts” for youths aged 13-15 that would be overseen by a guardian. The measure will now be examined by the EU’s 27 member states.
Context and International Comparisons
Von der Leyen’s initiative arrives amid a worldwide debate on safeguarding minors online. In the United States, Meta Platforms recently agreed to a settlement worth up to $18 billion and to introduce stricter child-safety features on Facebook and Instagram after a trial over teen-social-media addiction. Several countries—including Australia and New Zealand—have already enacted bans on teenage access to certain platforms. In Europe, France’s top court struck down a law that would have barred children under 15 from social media, deeming it a violation of fundamental freedoms; President Emmanuel Macron pledged to revise the proposal.
Official Statements and Expected Reactions
Von der Leyen emphasized that the EU does not have to accept “addictive features” or the exposure of children to extreme content, including the creation of AI-generated sexualized images of girls. She argued that the power of large technology firms is not immutable. Analysts note that the proposal could generate friction with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has historically criticized European tech regulations.
Criticism and Opposition Within the EU
Manfred Weber, leader of the European Parliament’s largest political group, urged the bloc to emulate Australia’s approach of allowing users to disable algorithmic feeds, suggesting that even tech-industry figures such as Elon Musk might oppose the plan. The French court’s recent ruling also signals legal hurdles for blanket bans on minors.
Legislative Outlook
The draft will be debated and voted on by the EU member states in the coming weeks. If approved, the “mini-account” system and the under-13 ban could become the first continent-wide regulatory framework targeting youth exposure to digital services.
