EU Advances Strict Kids Act to Ban Social Media for Minors Under 15
The European Union is advancing the strict Kids Act, banning social media and AI chatbots for children under 15 without parental supervision, amid tensions with the US.
The European Union is stepping up its efforts to regulate tech giants by advancing unprecedented strict legislation to protect children in the digital space. According to a report published by the Financial Times, Brussels is preparing to unveil the Kids Act, which will completely ban minors under 15 from using social networks, online gaming platforms, and AI chatbots without strict parental supervision. This move follows growing political pressure from countries such as France and Greece.
Shifting the Burden of Proof on Tech Companies
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen defined artificial intelligence as the second turning point of our era, alongside climate change. In a sharp speech, she clarified: "Europe has the power to act. We are the ones who set the rules, not big tech. There are no social networks under the age of 13, and no personal accounts under the age of 15. We are shifting the burden of proof – platforms will have to prove to us that they are safe. It is not about minors accessing networks, but when and how we allow networks to access our minors."
"Europe has the power to act. We are the ones who set the rules, not big tech. There are no social networks under the age of 13, and no personal accounts under the age of 15."
According to the leaked draft law, children under 13 will only be allowed to browse with direct parental accompaniment, while those aged 13 to 15 will be able to open restricted accounts subject to browsing time quotas. In addition, technology companies will be required to block addictive features, stop the distribution of AI-generated fake sexual images of teenage girls, and prevent artificial intelligence agents from developing "unhealthy emotional attachments" with minors. Platforms that fail to verify users' ages through an official verification app will face massive fines of up to 6% of their global annual revenue.
Tension with Donald Trump and Global Impact
The European initiative adds to the continent's existing flagship digital laws and has sparked widespread anger across the ocean. US President Donald Trump has previously accused Brussels of intentionally targeting American companies and threatened heavy tariffs in response to enforcement measures. On the other hand, von der Leyen emphasized the security aspect and warned that advanced AI models will enable unprecedented cyberattacks in the future, calling for international cooperation with countries like the UK and Canada in model testing and early warning mechanisms.
The legislation in Europe marks a global paradigm shift in the oversight of platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. In Brussels, officials emphasize that concerns over addictive mechanisms and damage to children's mental health now cross borders, as reflected in Meta's massive $18 billion settlement in the US. For parents and young people worldwide, the European move sets a strict benchmark that forces the digital industry to put children's well-being ahead of the bottom line.
