Children across Europe will face a strict new tiered age limit system prohibiting independent social media accounts until age 15, according to draft proposals from the European Commission. Set to be published by the European Commission, the landmark EU Kids Act aims to establish uniform age limits across member states while imposing safe design requirements on major tech platforms like Meta and TikTok, according to the documents.
EU Kids Act Proposes Tiered Social Media Age Limits for Minors
Under the draft proposals announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the minimum age to open and operate an independent social media account without parental supervision will be set at 15. For children aged between 13 and 15, parents can set up introductory accounts featuring limited daily screen time and restricted contact lists, acting as designated guardians through a monitoring app. Children aged between three and 13 will only be permitted to access strictly age-appropriate content via entirely parent-controlled accounts on child-friendly services. The European Commission indicates that children under three should have no access to social media at all.
Age Verification Technology and Exemptions Under the New Rules
Platforms will be legally required to verify the age of any user opening a new account. According to the draft framework, verification can be accomplished using official EU age-verification tools—such as Ireland’s newly tested digital wallet—or reliable technology provided by public authorities that meets strict privacy and security standards. Existing accounts that have operated for years, or accounts linked to alternative identification forms like credit cards, are understood to be exempt from the new verification rules. Meanwhile, online games will face mandatory, strict age verification, and AI chatbots or companions will also fall under the scope of the legislation.
Banning Addictive Design Features and Algorithmic Rabbit Holes
The legislative package targets specific platform mechanics designed to capture children’s attention. Social networks and AI platforms must eliminate addictive design elements such as infinite scrolling and daily reward systems like streaks, according to the policy details. Recommender systems will face strict limitations to prevent algorithms from steering minors down harmful digital rabbit holes. Furthermore, accounts belonging to children will feature automatic privacy settings, restrict unknown users from initiating contact, and provide simplified reporting tools for harmful content.
Did you know? Existing enforcement powers established under the Digital Services Act and the AI Act will be leveraged to enforce the EU Kids Act, requiring platforms to demonstrate full compliance before being deemed safe for minors.
Implementation Timeline and Member State Integration
The commission’s proposals will be evaluated by ministers during a meeting chaired by Minister for Communications Patrick O’Donovan as part of Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union. Member states will have the scope to integrate the proposed age limits into domestic legislation. In Ireland, the Government has consistently maintained that the national age limit for social media should align with the existing digital age of consent at 16, providing a localized point of discussion as the European text moves toward formal adoption and debate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age to open an independent social media account under the EU Kids Act?
The draft proposal sets the minimum age at 15 for a child to open and run a social media account independent of their parents.
How will platforms verify user ages?
Platforms must use approved age-verification technology, which may include official EU tools like digital wallets developed by public authorities that meet rigorous privacy and security standards.
What restrictions apply to children aged 13 to 15?
Parents may set up introductory accounts for teens in this age group, featuring mandatory parental controls, maximum daily screen times, and restricted contact lists.
Are AI chatbots affected by the new European legislation?
Yes, AI chatbots and companions accessible to minors will be subjected to the same strict safety design requirements and age limits outlined in the EU Kids Act.
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