European Union Proposes Social Media Restrictions for Children Under 15
The European Union has announced the EU Kids Act plan, which will restrict social media use for children under 15 to enhance their online safety.
The European Union has unveiled a new plan containing phased restrictions on social media use for children under 15 to protect their online safety and well-being.
Phased Restrictions by Age Groups
Under the plan, children's access to social media will be restricted in a phased manner according to age groups.
Children under the age of 13 will be completely banned from accessing social media platforms.
Mini Accounts and Usage Time
Children between the ages of 13 and 15 will be able to use the platforms for a maximum of one hour per day.
Accounts for this age group will be operated through mini accounts created via a parent or guardian's account.
Heavy Fines for Companies
The European Commission announced that social media companies will be required to prove that they design their platforms to be safe for children.
Companies that fail to comply with the rules could face fines of up to six percent of their global turnover.
Putting Parents Back in the Driver's Seat
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that this new regulation will put parents back in the driver's seat.
Von der Leyen noted that the regulation, announced under the name EU Kids Act, will provide parents with the tools to ensure their children navigate safely.
Artificial Intelligence and Online Games Included
The restrictions will not be limited to traditional social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.
YouTube, video-sharing platforms, artificial intelligence chatbots, and online games have also been included in the scope of the regulation.
Question Marks in the Implementation Process
Some union member countries, such as France and Spain, had previously announced their own national restriction plans.
There are some question marks regarding how the new regulation will be implemented and issues such as data privacy during the age verification process.