The European Commission is reportedly poised to propose new regulations aimed at reshaping how individuals under the age of 15 interact with social media, AI chatbots, and online video games. This initiative, referred to as the EU Kids Act, seeks to establish a tiered account system that determines the types of online services accessible to children. Similar to the UK’s Online Safety Act, the proposal involves implementing age verification measures that may require users to navigate through a series of checks to use such platforms deemed potentially risky.
Documents reviewed by media outlets such as Politico and Reuters indicate that the EU Kids Act will encompass online gaming, social media, video sharing platforms, and AI chatbots. Advocacy from The Netherlands and Spain has broadened the scope of the legislation to include online gaming and AI bots, reflecting a comprehensive approach to children’s online engagement.
Under the proposed framework, children under the age of 13 would only be permitted to use accounts on platforms that adhere to stringent safety standards, with complete oversight from their parents or guardians. Those aged between 13 and 15 would require parental approval to create an introductory account equipped with parental controls, including restrictions on whom they can interact with and limitations on screen time. It is also noteworthy that children under the age of 3 would be barred from accessing these platforms entirely.
The proposed age verification process is likely to place the responsibility on adults to provide proof of age through methods such as holding a credit card, presenting official identification, or utilizing video-based facial recognition technologies to estimate age. This initiative faces considerable criticism, particularly concerning implications for data privacy and user anonymity.
In its proposal, the Commission emphasizes the need to strike a balance between allowing minors to enjoy the benefits of digital services while safeguarding them from potential exploitation. The plan includes provisions for funding the enforcement of these regulations through supervisory fees imposed on technology companies.
Currently, it is crucial to note that the EU Kids Act remains a proposal and will undergo scrutiny, with possible revisions, as it is discussed by European governments and the European Parliament before becoming law. A key area for debate will likely center around defining what qualifies as a ‘high-risk’ service for minors, which has not yet been clearly established.
