MEPs plan to set minimum age for access to AI and social networks at 16

The European Parliament on Wednesday approved a non-binding resolution that would make it standard across the EU to set a minimum age of 16 for access to social networks, video platforms and AI chatbots. Children aged 13 to 16 would only be able to use digital services with active parental consent, while access would be banned altogether under the age of 13.

The proposal also envisages stricter supervision - platforms would have to prevent addictive and manipulative elements, targeted advertising or gambling mechanisms that keep children in front of screens. The resolution also calls for the blocking of sites that do not comply with the rules of European legislation.

Parliament calls for the age limit to be harmonised across the EU under the Digital Services Act. Currently, Member States set the minimum. The resolution is not legally binding, but serves as a political signal towards the European Commission and the Union's Member States to prepare legislation.

(reuters, sie)