The European Commission, in a significant move to create a safer environment for children online, has introduced a new initiative called the "EU KIDS Act." This law will bring major changes to how children and teenagers use social platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
Ban on Accounts for Children Under 13
According to this proposal, children under 13 will no longer be allowed to create accounts on social networks. This decision is aimed at preventing potential harm from inappropriate content and the dangers of online interactions. Teenagers aged 13 and 14 will also face restrictions and can only use limited accounts under the supervision of parents or guardians. Additionally, their daily usage time will be capped at one hour.
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Impact of This Law on Other Platforms
These restrictions are not limited to social networks and also include platforms like YouTube, online games, and AI chatbots. Companies that do not comply with this law may face fines of up to 6% of their annual global revenue. This approach could put more pressure on tech companies to implement greater safety measures for younger users.
Special accounts will be designed for teenagers aged 13 and 14 that offer limited features. Platforms will be required to remove features designed to encourage continuous user engagement for younger individuals. Teenagers aged 15 and older will be able to create personal accounts without parental supervision, but platforms must still implement age-appropriate protective measures for all users under 18.
Age Verification and Privacy Protection
The European Commission has also suggested using Union-approved tools for age verification. One of these tools utilizes zero-knowledge proof technology to verify the user's age without revealing their identity to the platform. This approach could help alleviate privacy concerns online and ensure that only authorized individuals have access to content.
However, the "EU KIDS Act" still needs to be approved by the European Parliament and member states, and its details may change during negotiations. Until this law is enacted, the proposed restrictions for families and platforms will not be mandatory. Given the rising concerns about children's safety online, this law could have profound effects on how children and teenagers interact with the digital world.
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