The European Commission proposed on 17 September an EU KIDS Act that would bar social media platforms from children under 13 and set 15 as the minimum age for an account of one's own [1].
Children aged 13 to 14 could use "mini accounts" set up through a parent's account, limited to one hour of screen time a day and few social contacts [1].
Children from 3 to 12 could use only child-friendly video services, through accounts their guardians manage, again for up to an hour a day [1].
What it covers
Any online service offering social media, video sharing, online games, AI companions or chatbots to users under 18 in the EU [1].
For those users it would ban addictive features, profiling-based recommendation feeds, infinite scroll without stopping points and push notifications during sleeping hours [1].
AI companions and chatbots would be off by default for minors, and could not simulate relationships in ways that create emotional dependency [1].
Online services and app stores would have to check users' ages, for example with the EU's age verification app. Social media and video platforms would verify age whenever a new account is opened [1].
The largest platforms would have to prove their services are "safe by design", submitting a compliance plan to the Commission and to an independent auditor. The Commission would aim to close investigations of breaches within 90 days [1].
What it does not tell you
When, or whether, it becomes law. The proposal now goes to the European Parliament and the Council of member states, which can change it [1].
What a breach would cost. The press release does not set out fines [1].
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