EU draft would ban children under 15 from opening their own social media accounts

Brussels is set to publish a draft called the EU Kids Act that would change how children access social media, video platforms, AI chatbots and online games. The proposal uses age tiers with distinct rules for each group.

• Under-15s: Children would not be allowed to open and run their own social media accounts until age 15. Platforms would be required to verify the age of anyone registering a new account.
• Ages 13–15: Parents could set up "introductory" accounts for this group. Those accounts would have limited features such as maximum daily screen time and a cap on contacts or friends. Parents act as designated guardians with monitoring and control through a guardian app.
• Ages 3–13: Access would be restricted to "child-friendly" services and entirely parent-controlled accounts offering only content that is age- and developmentally appropriate.

Platforms must verify age before allowing account creation. The draft points to EU-wide tools such as national digital wallets (for example the Irish government's digital wallet trial) or other public-authority age-verification systems that meet privacy and security standards. Exemptions appear possible for accounts that have been active for years or that are linked to other forms of identification such as credit cards. Online games, however, would be subject to strict, mandatory verification.

The proposals impose design rules intended to reduce addictive features and exposure to harmful content. Requirements include:

• Banning infinite scroll and reward systems like streaks.
• Limiting recommender systems to reduce algorithmic "rabbit holes."

• use.

Platforms would need to show they meet the safety standards before services are allowed for children. Enforcement would use the existing mechanisms under the Digital Services Act and the AI Act, meaning companies must demonstrate compliance or face sanctions under those frameworks.

Member-state role and Ireland's position

There will be scope for EU member states to adopt the proposed age limits into national law. The Irish Government has previously said the digital age of consent in Ireland should remain 16, so Ireland has signalled support for a higher national limit. The commission's proposals will be discussed by ministers during Ireland's presidency of the Council of the European Union, in meetings chaired by Minister for Communications Patrick O'Donovan.

The draft covers major social media platforms and video-sharing services – platforms named in coverage include TikTok, Meta-owned services, YouTube and similar apps – and extends to AI "companion" chatbots and online games.

The draft proposal will be published this week and is subject to debate and formal adoption. Details such as enforcement timelines, technical standards for age verification, and precise definitions of "child-friendly" services will be worked out during the legislative process.