The EU has proposed restricting social media access for under-15s to improve children’s wellbeing and online safety. Under the EU Kids Act, under-13s would be barred from platforms, while 13- to 15-year-olds would receive limited “mini accounts” managed through a parent or guardian.

The rules would cover social media, video-sharing platforms, AI chatbots and online games, with companies required to demonstrate “safety by design” or face fines of up to 6% of global sales. The plans still need approval from EU member states and the European Parliament, and may face opposition over enforcement, freedom of expression and privacy concerns surrounding age verification.