New rules for young internet users: the EU is preparing sweeping restrictions

The European Union is preparing a legislative initiative aimed at strengthening the protection of children and teenagers from potentially harmful content and practices in the digital space. The proposed bill, known as the EU Kids Act, foresees significant restrictions for users under the age of 15, including access to chatbots, online games, and video-hosting platforms.

According to lawmakers’ plans, the new regulation will take a multi-level approach that takes children’s age-specific needs into account. The document, which is expected to be presented soon, will still need to be agreed with EU member states and the European Parliament before it can enter into force. The goal of these measures is to create a safer digital environment for Europe’s youngest citizens by protecting them from risks associated with excessive technology use and access to inappropriate content.

A differentiated approach to age groups

According to preliminary information, teenagers over 15 will retain the ability to create full accounts on online platforms. However, for younger users, parents will be able to create so-called “introductory accounts.” These accounts will allow children limited access to social networks and video-sharing platforms, but with clear time limits and strict functional restrictions.

Special attention is being given to the youngest users. Children aged 3 to 12 will only be able to use services specifically designed for their age group. Access to these resources will be possible exclusively through parental accounts, providing additional oversight by adults. For children who have not yet reached the age of three, a complete lack of internet access is planned, in line with modern recommendations on early development and child safety.

Protection from addiction and harmful design

The EU Kids Act also предусматриes the introduction of mandatory age-verification mechanisms when creating accounts on social networks, on video-hosting platforms, and before downloading any online games. This is intended to prevent children from accessing platforms that may be unsafe or inappropriate for their age.

In addition, the bill will require developers to abandon design elements that may be addictive for users. Particular attention will be paid to so-called “harmful feeds” of short videos, which are often criticized for their potential to become overly absorbing and negatively affect children’s attention and psychological well-being.

Strict penalties for non-compliance

Failure to comply with the new rules could result in significant financial penalties for tech companies. The legislation provides for fines of up to 6% of a company’s annual turnover. This means that for industry giants such as Meta, potential fines could reach billions of dollars. For example, if Meta, which recorded revenue of $200.97 billion in 2025, violates the new rules, the maximum fine could exceed $12.1 billion. It is important to note that these strict rules will apply not only to social networks, but also to app stores and chatbot developers, covering a wide range of digital services.

This EU initiative is part of a broader trend toward tighter regulation of digital platforms, especially regarding their impact on children. Recently, similar measures have already been taken concerning TikTok and Meta, whose algorithms have raised concerns about fostering addiction in children. Elements such as endless scrolling, autoplay videos, and intrusive push notifications have been particularly criticized, as regulators believe they can negatively affect children’s safety and development.

As part of this same initiative, the European Commission is actively working on the implementation of an age-verification system. Reports suggest that the relevant app is already ready, and European countries are urging its use to begin by the end of this year. This step is an important element of the EU’s overall strategy to create a safer and more responsible digital space for the younger generation.

The background to this issue shows growing public concern about the impact of digital technologies on children. As far back as the late 20th century, when the internet was just beginning to gain popularity, the first concerns about its influence on teenagers emerged. With the development of social networks, mobile devices, and online games, these concerns only intensified. The emergence of platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, as well as countless mobile games that often use “pay-to-win” models or other monetization methods that can be tempting for children, has pushed governments and international organizations to seek effective regulatory mechanisms.

Early attempts at regulation often involved creating recommendations for parents or introducing general age restrictions on platforms. However, the low effectiveness of such measures, the lack of proper oversight, and children’s ability to bypass these restrictions led to the need for more stringent and comprehensive solutions. Initiatives like the EU Kids Act reflect the evolution of the approach to protecting children in the digital environment, moving from recommendations to mandatory rules and strict penalties.

The adoption of laws such as the EU Kids Act has the potential to reshape the landscape of digital interaction for children in Europe. It could force tech companies to rethink their business models and product design, putting children’s safety and well-being first. At the same time, such restrictions may spark debate about freedom of access to information and equal opportunities for children in the digital age. An important aspect will be ensuring effective implementation and enforcement of the new rules, as well as finding a balance between protecting children and preserving the benefits offered by the modern digital world.