EU weighs new social media limits for teens

The European Union is preparing to introduce comprehensive restrictions on children’s and teenagers’ use of social‑media platforms. The proposed measures would set new age limits, allow for a complete ban on users under a certain age, and introduce a phased‑access system that gradually unlocks features as users reach older age thresholds. Platforms could also be required to demonstrate that their services pose no harmful risks before young people are permitted to join.

Under the draft framework, social‑media companies would need to prove that their content, algorithms, and data‑handling practices do not expose minors to undue harm. This would involve independent audits and compliance certifications, ensuring that the platforms meet safety standards before they can offer services to younger audiences. The EU’s approach seeks to shift the focus from whether children can access social media to when and how they are allowed to do so.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the executive arm could propose new legislation within months after reviewing a panel of experts’ recommendations, released today. “This is not about whether children can access social media. It is about when social media can access our children,” she said. The proposed rules aim to tighten regulatory oversight and protect minors while balancing the digital economy’s growth.