The European Commission is preparing a legislative proposal that would prohibit children younger than 13 from accessing mainstream social‑media services across the Union. The draft, expected in the autumn, would give the Commission powers to fine non‑compliant platforms up to 6 % of their worldwide turnover – the same level of penalty as the Digital Services Act.

Public opinion and expert advice

A Eurobarometer survey commissioned by the Commission and published on 13 July showed a clear majority of respondents across the EU consider social‑media use by children a risk. More than 70 % expressed concerns about mental‑health effects and exposure to unsuitable content.

A panel of digital‑policy experts has recommended a uniform minimum age of 13 for all social‑media and video‑sharing platforms, including YouTube. The panel warned that age limits alone would not solve the problem and called for redesigning endless‑scroll features, limiting algorithmic promotion of harmful content, providing age‑appropriate defaults and developing privacy‑preserving verification methods.

Current national rules

France and Spain already require users to be at least 16, while Greece sets the bar at 15. Most other EU member states have no legal age restriction for social‑media access.

Verification technology and security

The Commission has piloted an identity‑verification application that returns a simple yes/no answer on whether a user meets the age requirement without retaining personal data. Security researchers have identified early vulnerabilities in the verification app.

The European Digital Rights (EDRi) coalition has called for an independent body to audit verification tools and ensure minimal data collection and deletion. The Commission has pledged to cooperate with member states to ensure any verification system complies with GDPR requirements.

Political and legislative timetable

European Parliament committees have indicated support for a minimum age of 13. If introduced in September, the proposal must be approved by both the European Parliament and the Council before becoming law. A vote could take place before the end of the year, with the rules intended to take effect in 2025.

Industry and stakeholder reactions

Trade unions representing tech and advertising workers warn that abrupt regulatory changes might lead to job reductions. Consumer‑rights groups claim the measure could stimulate demand for safer, educational digital services for children.

The European Investment Bank has suggested it may finance projects that develop privacy‑first age‑verification tools. The Interactive Software Federation of Europe argues that a single EU‑wide age limit could make compliance easier for platforms.

Estonia has expressed concerns about the practicality of age verification for younger children, while Italy argues that setting the limit at 13 could drive many teenagers to use underground services.

Government statements

Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "Just as we do not hand children car keys before they have a licence or allow them to buy alcohol before the legal age, we must set a clear threshold for social‑media access."

France and Spain have introduced penalties for platforms that fail to enforce age checks, though enforcement has been inconsistent.

The EU‑wide rule is intended to give parents a clear legal framework and stop platforms from exploiting gaps in national regulations.