Set to propose ban on social media and AI chatbots for under-15s

The European Union is set to propose an EU Kids Act that would restrict children under 15 from social media, video-sharing platforms, AI chatbots and online games, according to a European Commission document reviewed by Reuters. The plan, to be presented on Thursday by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and tech chief Henna Virkkunen, aims to address growing global concerns about children’s health and safety. It would allow gradual access based on age, with different obligations for companies depending on the service and the child’s age. The proposal includes supervisory fees for regulators. It also sets account rules: children 15+ can create their own accounts, ages 13-14 would use parent-controlled introductory accounts with limits, ages 3-12 would be fully parent-controlled, and under-3s would have no access.