The European Commission has prepared new rules to block minors’ access to social networks and video content sharing platforms before the age of 15, reports Politico on Monday. The publication cites preparatory documents, which it has consulted, and a source familiar with the subject.
The EU executive will present on Thursday the new law “EU KIDS Act”, which sets age restrictions, along with new rules that require targeted applications – such as social networks and artificial intelligence (AI) based virtual assistants – to be safe from the design phase. The law also aims to create a tiered system for access to social networks, under parental supervision, before the age of 15, according to documents consulted by Politico.
A step taken by the Brussels Executive under pressure from member state governments
Age restrictions represent a significant step taken by the European Commission and its President, Ursula von der Leyen, to better protect minors on social platforms. The initiative comes in the wake of vehement criticism from health experts, politicians, and parents regarding the effects that platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and others have on the mental health of minors.
The project also comes after months of pressure from government leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, to put this issue at the forefront of the European political agenda. Austria, Denmark, France, Greece, and Spain are already advancing with national laws that restrict children’s access to the mentioned platforms.
It is expected that Ursula von der Leyen will present more details in her speech on the “State of the European Union”, which she will deliver on Wednesday in front of the members of the European Parliament, in Strasbourg.
Details, HERE