Comprehensive Social Media Regulation for Children from the European Union
The European Commission announced the EU KIDS Act proposal, introducing age limits to reduce risks faced by children on digital platforms.
The European Union has officially launched a new regulatory process aimed at restricting children's access to social media and digital platforms based on age groups.
Scope and Objectives of the Proposal
The EU KIDS Act proposal, announced to the public by the European Commission, aims to enhance children's safety in the digital world.
The regulation covers social media platforms, video-sharing sites, online games, and artificial intelligence chatbots.
Age Limits and Parental Control
According to the newly announced rules, children under the age of 13 will strictly not be allowed to open accounts on social media platforms.
While the age to open an independent account is set at 15, teenagers between the ages of 13 and 15 will be able to use mini accounts under parental control.
Rationale and Sanctions for Companies
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that this step will reduce the risks of bullying and addiction that children are exposed to in the online environment.
Technology companies that fail to comply with the introduced rules could face heavy fines of up to 6 percent of their global annual turnover.
Legislative Process
For this prepared legal regulation to officially enter into force, negotiations between member states and the European Parliament need to be completed.