European Commission proposes limits on under-15s opening social accounts alone
The European Commission published its proposed EU KIDS Act on September 17. It would restrict children younger than 15 from creating accounts on their own on certain social networks, video platforms, and other covered systems. The proposal also addresses risks to children from AI systems.
Verified 6:43 AM PDT · 2 original sources
The Commission says one EU age rule would replace differing national approaches. Ursula von der Leyen's September 16 speech had put child protection and AI risks on the Commission's agenda.
The Commission has proposed a rule; it does not yet bind every platform. Its announcement names particular services and systems. It does not propose banning children from the internet.
The age limit also raises a practical question. Platforms would need to check a child's age and any required parental involvement without collecting more personal data than necessary.
The legislative text and negotiations will decide which services the law covers, what exceptions it allows, and how authorities enforce it. Watch what data age checks keep and whether families can appeal a wrong result.
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- European CommissionProposal for EU KIDS Act ↗
- European Commission2026 State of the Union address ↗
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