The EU details the Kids Act, which would require social networks to use age verification tools to stop under-15s from opening accounts, ban under-13s, and more

If you use social media, you may need to prove your age to access services.

The European Union has detailed its proposed Kids Act, a piece of legislation aimed at enhancing online child protection. The act mandates that social networks implement age verification tools to prevent individuals under 15 from creating accounts. Furthermore, it proposes a strict ban on access for children under 13. The legislation, which also includes other provisions for child safety online, must undergo negotiation and approval by EU lawmakers and member states before it can be enacted into law.

The EU's Kids Act signals a significant regulatory push towards stricter digital governance, placing direct compliance burdens on social media platforms. By mandating age verification, the EU is forcing a confrontation with the technical and privacy challenges inherent in accurately identifying users' ages at scale. This move could set a precedent for other regions considering similar legislation, potentially reshaping the operational landscape for global social networks.

The act's focus on age gates and bans for younger users will likely impact how platforms design user onboarding and content moderation policies. Companies will need to invest in new technologies and processes, potentially leading to increased operational costs and a more bifurcated user experience. The success of these measures will depend heavily on the effectiveness and privacy implications of the chosen age verification methods.