EU Kids Act: Social Media Ban Under 13 Explained

The European Commission unveiled the EU Kids Act on 17 September 2026, proposing a social media ban under 13 and strict parental controls for teenagers. The draft law marks a major shift in how the 27-nation bloc regulates platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and X.

What is the EU Kids Act?

Officially titled the EU Keeping Internet Digital Spaces Accountable and Trustworthy Act, the proposal sets an EU-wide minimum age of 15 for minors to create their own social media accounts. Children under 13 would be banned entirely from social media, while those aged 13 to 15 could only access platforms through a parent or guardian's account. This builds on earlier pressure from MEPs, who in November 2025 called for a minimum age of 16 and stronger enforcement of the Digital Services Act rules.

Age limits and parental controls

Under the plan, 13-to-15-year-olds would use "mini accounts" linked to a parent or guardian. These accounts would have the camera and microphone switched off by default, a maximum of one hour of daily use, and parental control over followers and friends. From age 15, teenagers could open their own accounts. Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "No social media under the age of 13. No personal account under the age of 15."

Key restrictions for 13-15 year-olds

• Camera and microphone off by default
• Maximum one hour per day
• Parents control followers and friends
• No infinite scrolling

Which platforms are affected?

The rules cover Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X and video-sharing services such as YouTube, as well as AI chatbots and gaming platforms. Messaging apps like WhatsApp fall outside the scope of the law.

How will age verification work?

Social media companies would be responsible for verifying users' ages, but they could not rely solely on their own systems. The Commission wants at least one age-verification app available in every member state that can prove a user's age without sharing extra data. Alternatively, trusted institutions such as banks, doctors or schools could issue a digital age declaration for parents. The exact mechanisms remain unclear, and CCIA Europe — which represents Meta and Google — has warned that verifying family relationships would be a practical challenge.

Impact on social media companies

The EU Kids Act reverses the burden of proof: platforms must demonstrate that their services are safe and age-appropriate by design. Addictive features such as infinite scrolling would be banned for minors, and companies must submit child safety plans. Non-compliance could trigger fines of up to 6% of global annual revenue. The proposal follows a broader crackdown on social media addiction among teens and adds to existing rules under the AI Act and Digital Services Act.

Timeline and next steps

The draft still needs approval from the European Parliament and all 27 member states. If agreed, the rules would likely take effect at the earliest in late 2027 or 2028. At that point, platforms would have to identify and deactivate accounts belonging to children under 15. Critics argue the plan may face delays over enforcement and privacy concerns, similar to debates around parental control apps in other regions.

FAQ

What is the EU Kids Act?

The EU Kids Act is a proposed law that bans social media access for children under 13 and requires parental oversight for 13-to-15-year-olds.

At what age can children have their own social media account?

From age 15, minors can create their own accounts. Between 13 and 15, they may only use social media through a parent or guardian's account.

Which platforms are covered by the EU Kids Act?

Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X, YouTube, AI chatbots and gaming platforms are covered. WhatsApp is excluded.

What fines can companies face?

Companies that fail to comply could be fined up to 6% of their global annual revenue.

When will the new rules take effect?

The earliest possible implementation is late 2027 or 2028, after approval by the European Parliament and all 27 member states.