European Union Takes Age Limit Step for Children's Online Safety
The European Commission has prepared the EU KIDS Act proposal, which bans children under 13 from accessing social media and introduces restrictions for the 13-15 age group.
The European Commission has publicly announced a comprehensive new regulatory proposal aimed at enhancing children's online safety. Entitled the EU KIDS Act, the draft bill envisions age-based gradual restrictions and protective measures on digital platforms.
Gradual Restrictions by Age Groups
Under the EU KIDS Act proposed by the European Commission, it is suggested that gradual restrictions be imposed on children's use of social media according to age. The proposal aims to establish a common age standard for accessing social media platforms.
Complete Access Ban for Under-13s
According to the new regulatory proposal, children under the age of 13 will not be permitted to access social media services. While social media use for this age group will be completely blocked, the use of video-sharing services through parent-controlled accounts will be permitted with a daily one-hour limit.
Parental Control for the 13-15 Age Group
Children between the ages of 13 and 15 will only be able to participate on social media and video-sharing platforms through restricted accounts managed by their parents or legal guardians.
Daily Time Limit and Communication Control
In the Commission's proposal, accounts created for children aged 13 to 15 will have a maximum daily usage time of one hour. Additionally, parents will be able to monitor whom children can communicate with on these platforms.
Post-15 and Safe Design Rules
From the age of 15 onwards, teenagers will be allowed to open their own accounts without parental consent, but platforms will be required to provide a safer environment for this age group. Features such as infinite scrolling and artificial notifications will also be restricted.
Status of the Legislative Process
This regulation submitted by the European Commission is not yet a law in effect. For the EU KIDS Act to become law, it must be reviewed by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU, and negotiations must be completed.