European Union proposal for a social media ban for children under 13
The European Commission has announced a new law featuring a social media ban for children under 13 to protect them from online risks.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen publicly unveiled the new regulatory proposal under the EU Children's Act, aiming to protect children from online dangers. The proposal introduces a ban on social media use for children under 13 while projecting different control mechanisms based on age groups.
Key Regulations of the Law
The EU Children's Act proposal, announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, aims to increase children's safety in the digital world.
It is stated that current technologies were designed without taking children's well-being into consideration, and new measures are planned to be implemented.
Restrictions by Age Groups
Under the new proposal, children under the age of 13 are completely banned from using social media.
It is made mandatory for accounts of children between the ages of 13 and 15 to be subject to parental control, while platforms targeting the 15-18 age group are required to make their designs secure.
Obligations for Companies
Digital platforms and companies offering services will be held accountable for verifying the age of users when opening accounts.
Heavy fines of up to 6 percent of their global annual turnover can be imposed on companies that fail to comply with the rules.
Process and Political Support
For the presented legislative proposal to officially become law, it must be negotiated with member states and the European Parliament in the coming months.
The first official support from within the EU for the proposed comprehensive initiative came from Germany.