European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen used her State of the European Union address in Strasbourg to unveil a sweeping proposal that would ban children under 13 from accessing any social‑media platform throughout the 27‑nation bloc. The measure also calls for “mini accounts” for youths aged 13‑15, which would be overseen by guardians and subject to feature and time restrictions.
For teenagers aged 15‑18, the plan requires platforms to provide a “safe design” that limits exposure to extreme content and addictive features. Von der Leyen emphasized that the EU does not have to accept “addictive features” or the use of girls’ photos in AI‑generated sexualized images.
Potential impact and reactions
The proposal adds to a growing global effort to protect minors online, joining steps already taken by countries such as Spain, Portugal, Australia and New Zealand. While many social‑media services already bar users under 13 from creating accounts, regulators argue that enforcement has been weak.
Critics, including digital‑rights advocate Simeon de Brouwer of EDRi, argue the plan merely postpones exposure to online risk without addressing the underlying business model that hooks users with endless scrolling and targeted ads. He warned that platforms will inevitably target users once they age past the threshold.
Supporters in the European Parliament, such as Italian MEP Brando Benifei, praised the initiative as a necessary confrontation with Big Tech. “We need to confront the interests of platforms head‑on,” he said.
U.S. perspective
The EU’s move could heighten tensions with President Donald Trump, who has long criticized European tech regulations. While the proposal still requires debate and a vote by all member states—a process that could take years—its introduction signals a more assertive stance on online safety for children.
Further details of the plan are expected in the coming days, including how the EU will work with “like‑minded partners” such as Canada and Britain on broader AI safety and online‑risk initiatives.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
