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EU plans social-media ban for under-13s

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced plans for new EU legislation to restrict children’s access to social-media platforms.

In her ‘State of the Union’ address to MEPs in Strasbourg, she said that the proposals would include a ban on social media for children under the age of 13.

From the age of 13 until a child turns 15, there would be access only to ‘mini’ accounts set up and supervised by parents, with limited features and time restriction.

‘Reversing burden of proof’

Von der Leyen added that “safe design” would be an obligation for the platforms between the ages of 15 and 18.

She told MEPs that the proposed EU Kids Act, to be unveiled in detail tomorrow (17 September), was “reversing the burden of proof”.

“Platforms will have to prove that they are safe,” she stated.

“Because it is not about our minors accessing social media; it is about when and how do we allow social media to access minors,” the commission president said.