The European Commission will unveil new rules later this year to curb children's access to social media across the EU, President Ursula von der Leyen announced. Following an expert panel's advice, the draft would restrict users under 13 to limited, supervised access, with restrictions easing as they age. Platforms would need to prove they are safe for young users, shifting more responsibility onto tech firms rather than parents.

The EU joins a growing list of jurisdictions tackling the issue. Australia banned social media for under‑16s last year, while France, Greece, and other European nations have approved or are considering similar age‑based limits. Outside Europe, the UK, Canada, and other governments are also weighing stricter online‑safety rules.

Von der Leyen said the proposal will be released after the summer, with legislation expected during her State of the Union address in September. The move reflects a broader push to protect minors from online harms while balancing platform accountability and parental control.