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Von der Leyen weighs age limits for children using social media

EU chief weighs age restrictions for children using social mediaChildren's social media curbs planned across EU, von der Leyen says

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Monday that the European Union will restrict young children's access to social media across its 27-member bloc, proposing a ban for those under 13 until tech companies prove platforms are safe.

This initiative marks the largest cross-national effort to date to guard minors against online dangers and digital harms. The move sets a significant regulatory precedent for global technology governance and child safety standards.

  • The European Union comprises 27 member states that share a single digital market and regulatory framework.
  • Ursula von der Leyen is the first woman to serve as President of the European Commission since it was established.
  • The Digital Services Act, passed in 2023, already requires tech firms to mitigate risks for minors on their platforms.