The EU Bans Social Media For Under-13s
The European Union has announced a new policy to ban social media access for children under 13 as part of the upcoming EU KIDS ACT. Children aged 13 to 15 will be restricted to supervised 'mini accounts' with limited features.
Why it matters
This represents a significant shift in digital regulation, setting a global precedent for how governments manage child safety and addictive design in Big Tech.
The total ban on social media for children under 13 was announced in Wednesday’s State of the Union speech, where von der Leyen set out the Union’s priorities for the year ahead.
It’s part of an EU KIDS ACT, which the Commission will unveil fully on Thursday. Children aged 13 to 15 will also not be allowed personal social media accounts but will be able to access social media through mini accounts set up and supervised by parents and guardians, with limited features, for one hour per day. Platforms will also have safe design obligations for users up to 18, with the Union planning to tackle addictive design further in the upcoming Digital Fairness Act in Autumn.
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