EU proposes restrictions on social media for children and a ban on under-13 users

The European Union is set to implement new regulations prohibiting social media platforms from allowing users under 13 and imposing restrictions on AI services for older children. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced these measures during her annual address on 2026-09-16. The rules aim to protect young users from online harms, including exposure to inappropriate content and data collection. The initiative reflects global concerns over digital platforms' impact on children's well-being and is part of a broader effort to regulate tech companies and enforce data protection standards. This move is expected to influence similar policies globally and set a new benchmark for digital safety for minors. The measures include a complete ban on social media for children under 13 and additional restrictions on AI services for those aged 14 to 17. These rules are designed to limit screen time and reduce online risks. The European Commission emphasized balancing innovation with youth protection. The implementation timeline and specific details remain to be finalized, with a phased rollout planned to allow affected companies time to prepare.