Social media would need a minimum age of 15 across EU

The Dutch cabinet is positive about the European Commission's EU Kids Act, a bill to protect children from online risks such as addictive algorithms, harmful content and unwanted contact. It backs the proposed European minimum age of 15 for social media and video platforms, but has concerns about how the age limit and age verification affect fundamental rights and privacy.

The rules would apply to all companies offering services in the EU. The proposal sets stricter design requirements (safety-by-design) for social media, video platforms, AI chatbots, online games and app stores, and bans addictive techniques. Very large online platforms must demonstrate to the European Commission that they comply.

Children aged 13 to 15 could use social media and video platforms in a limited way through "mini-accounts" with parental consent. Platforms must give parents tools to set screen time and see who their child is in contact with.

The cabinet says the effects of a minimum age and age verification on the fundamental rights and privacy of children and adults must be properly examined. It names freedom of expression and access to information. It also says mini-accounts and parental tools put too much responsibility on parents, which can lead to inequality between children and privacy risks.

The cabinet favours common European rules, which avoid a patchwork of national rules. It says age checks through European Digital Identity (EDI) wallets could be one option. It also wants the Commission to reassess, after the act takes effect, whether a minimum age is still needed if platforms prove safe enough for children.

We want to protect children without needlessly limiting their fundamental rights or putting too much responsibility on parents.Willemijn Aerdts, state secretary for digital economy and sovereignty

Aerdts will discuss these concerns with her European counterparts in the coming period.