Reportedly, Ursula von der Leyen said on Wednesday (September 16) that social media apps were “depriving children of their childhood” and that big tech platforms needed to prove their products were safe. She promised a draft law for a total ban on social media for under-13s, while children aged 13-15 would be allowed “mini accounts” under parental supervision, with time limits on apps.
The commission will publish its social media plan on Thursday, which will have to be agreed by the European Parliament and 27 EU member states if it is to become law.
Von der Leyen also promised that the Commission’s Digital Fairness Act, due to be submitted to the European Parliament this year, would tackle features such as addictive design, which she said was “harming everyone”.
