EU proposes age limits for social media and AI chatbots

Brussels – The European Union is preparing significant new rules that could prohibit children under the age of 15 from accessing social media, AI chatbots, video-sharing platforms, and online games. The proposal, seen by Reuters, is part of a planned EU Kids Act and would apply across the bloc.

The plan outlines tiered access based on age. Children under 3 would be barred entirely, while those aged 3 to 12 could use only parent-controlled, child-friendly services. Minors aged 13 and 14 might receive limited accounts under strict parental supervision. Users would only gain full account access from age 15. Platforms would be required to verify users' ages, provide parental controls, and limit addictive design features.

Under the proposed legislation, platforms would face new obligations, including verifying a child's age upon account creation. Gaming platforms would need to conduct age checks before users download games. Companies would also have to offer simple reporting mechanisms for harmful content and avoid addictive design choices. A supervisory fee would be levied on companies to fund enforcement.

The proposal extends the EU's existing policy focus on social media and addictive design. Previously, the European Parliament had called for parental authorization for children under 16 to access social media and considered a harmonized age limit of 13. This new initiative broadens the scope by explicitly including AI chatbots, placing them within the same child safety considerations as social media.

These EU moves align with a broader international trend to restrict children's access to online platforms. Similar measures have been considered or enacted in countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and several European nations.