Politics · India Bureau
EU proposes sweeping ban on social media access for children under 13
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed prohibiting children under 13 from accessing social media platforms, online games and chatbots, citing concerns over addictive design and exploitation. The move marks a significant regulatory intervention targeting Big Tech companies and their impact on young users.
LSN India ·
Von der Leyen unveiled the proposal during her annual State of the European Union address in Strasbourg on Wednesday, signaling the bloc's determination to curb what she described as the overwhelming power of technology giants. "We do not have to accept addictive features. We do not have to accept children being drawn into ever more extreme content," the EU executive said, emphasizing particular concerns around artificial intelligence-generated sexual imagery of minors.
Under the proposed framework, children aged 13 to 15 would be permitted to use "mini accounts" operated under guardian supervision, providing a monitored alternative to unrestricted platform access. Von der Leyen stressed that regulatory action remains possible despite the perceived dominance of tech companies. "I am aware that many perceive the power of Big Tech as overwhelming and impossible to roll back. I disagree," she stated.
The proposal now advances to the 27 EU member nations for a vote. The regulatory push is expected to intensify existing tensions with the United States, where President Donald Trump has previously criticized Europe's stringent approach to technology regulation. The outcome could signal Europe's continued willingness to impose strict digital safeguards regardless of transatlantic friction.