Leaked EU Kids Act draft would bar under-15s from social media without parental consent and set rules for AI chatbots mixedSingle source
- Euronews, publishing on 15 September at 8:36 GMT+2, reports that a confidential European Commission document it obtained would bar minors under 15 from creating accounts on social media and video-sharing platforms without parental approval, alongside safety-by-design rules for risky online services.
- Euronews reports the draft covers social media, video-sharing platforms and online games "considered to pose 'specific design risks for minors', as well as AI-powered chatbots and companions, described as 'virtual tools that can give mental health and personal development advice to minors'". The document says these services get "tailored commitments… offering a co-regulatory approach based on industry-led self-regulation".
- The age tiers as reported: children under three barred entirely from social media and other high-risk services; from three to 13, access to child-friendly services under adult supervision; 13 to 15, restricted access with limited features under parental control; and safety-by-design rules still applying to 15- to 18-year-olds, who could access platforms without parental consent. Companies would have to verify age at account creation using an EU-wide app or national solutions.
- The text is a draft, not law. Euronews reports Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to preview it in her State of the Union address and that the bill is due to be published on Thursday; it would then need agreement from member states and the European Parliament.