Overview
- The European Commission has published a concrete draft of the so‑called EU 'Kids Act' after proposals made on Wednesday, setting new rules to restrict social‑media access for children and teens.
- The plan creates three age tiers: no access for under‑13s, parental 'mini‑accounts' with limited features and short daily limits for 13–14‑year‑olds, and full accounts from 15 only if platforms demonstrate child‑safe design.
- Regulators would reverse the burden of proof so platforms must show they are safe for minors and must remove or disable addictive features such as algorithmic recommendation, infinite scroll and autoplay.
- Age checks would rely on tools like the EUDI‑Wallet or a Commission app, but experts and consumer groups warn the technical, privacy and circumvention risks of large‑scale verification remain unresolved.
- The draft is not law and now goes to the European Parliament and the Council for lengthy negotiations while member states prepare transitional measures and debate enforcement and competence issues.