The EU is reportedly preparing sweeping new digital safety rules that would restrict children under 15 from independently accessing social media, AI chatbots, video-sharing platforms and online games.
EU Plans Sweeping Child Safety Rules
The proposal is part of an EU Kids Act that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU tech chief Henna Virkkunen are expected to present Thursday, Reuters reported on Monday.
Von der Leyen could preview parts of the plan in her State of the Union address Wednesday.
Under the proposed framework, children 15 and older could create their own accounts, while those ages 13 and 14 could access social media and video platforms only through parent-created accounts with strict controls, limited contacts and time restrictions.
Children ages 3 to 12 would be limited to child-friendly services under parental control, while children under 3 would have no access.
European Commission did not immediately respond to Benzinga's request for comment.
Tech Platforms Face Tougher Requirements
The proposal would require companies to address addictive designs and potentially harmful recommendation feeds, while providing easier ways for children to report harmful content and stronger parental controls.
Social media and video-sharing platforms would also have to verify users' ages when creating accounts. Gaming platforms would be required to conduct age checks before allowing games to be downloaded.
Companies would also pay supervisory fees to help regulators enforce the rules.
EU Targets Big Tech Over Online Risks
The proposed restrictions come amid growing concerns over children's online safety and the effects of platforms including Meta Platforms, Inc.'s (NASDAQ: META) Facebook and Instagram, Elon Musk's X, TikTok, YouTube, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL) Google and OpenAI's ChatGPT.
Previously, Musk criticized the U.K.'s under-16 social media restrictions, calling the policy a "censorship law" meant to enable government tracking.
Meta, YouTube, Snap Inc.'s (NYSE: SNAP) Snapchat and TikTok have also pushed back against social media bans, warning they could isolate teens and drive them toward less-regulated platforms.
According to a survey conducted by GfS Bern for the Mercator Foundation, an overwhelming 94% of people in Switzerland supported stricter safeguards for children and teenagers on social media.
Benzinga Edge Stock Rankings show Meta trending upward across the short, medium, and long term, with a Growth score in the 79th percentile.