EU to propose sweeping digital curbs for children under 15

The European Commission is preparing to propose the EU Kids Act, a sweeping legislative package that would restrict children under 15 from creating their own accounts on social media, video-sharing platforms, AI chatbots, and online games. The proposal, which is still a draft subject to change, introduces a tiered age-based access system and mandates safety-by-design rules for technology companies operating across the bloc. Under the plan, children under 3 would have no access to the covered services. Those aged 3 to 12 would have fully parent-controlled accounts on services deemed to meet strict safety standards. Children aged 13 and 14 would need parents to open introductory accounts with parental controls, limited contacts, and strict time limits. Only those 15 and older would be permitted to set up their own accounts. The proposal would require tech companies to implement safety-by-design rules, including banning features like infinite scrolling and artificial notifications. Companies would also be mandated to verify users' ages when new accounts are created, using an EU-wide age-verification tool or other national solutions.