The European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, announced on Wednesday that it has plans to prohibit children under 13 from using social media in order to protect them from online dangers. This decision is part of broader efforts to create a safer environment for children in the digital space.
Proposed Age Regulations
In her annual speech at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, von der Leyen outlined the details of the new plans. This proposal includes age-based restrictions for social media use. According to these proposed regulations, children aged 13 to under 15 will be able to use "mini accounts" with limited features that are set up and monitored by parents or guardians. The daily usage time for these accounts will be limited to one hour.
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Safety Measures for Teenagers
Teenagers aged 15 to under 18 will also be subject to safety measures that are inherently designed within the platforms. Von der Leyen stated that technology companies must prove that their platforms are safe for children. These proposals come amid growing concerns about the impact of social media on children and the dangers they face online.
The European Commission is set to officially present the "EU Kids Act" on Thursday. This law is expected to introduce varying levels of protection based on age. This action is aimed at improving online safety and reducing the risks associated with social media use for children and teenagers.
Economic and Social Impacts
The new restrictions may have profound effects on the social media market and the business models of these platforms. Companies will need to invest in safety technologies and new infrastructures to comply with these new regulations. These changes may lead to the growth of a market for special accounts for children and teenagers that are specifically designed for this age group.
Additionally, increased oversight of social media use could enhance corporate accountability and improve user-centered conditions. These developments may also impact marketing and advertising practices on these platforms, requiring companies to devise new strategies to attract young users.
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