EU Plans Social Media Ban for Under-13s

The European Union has put forward sweeping new proposals to tighten the rules around children's access to social media platforms. Under the draft measures, children under the age of 13 would be completely banned from using social networks, while those aged between 13 and 15 would only be permitted to access so-called 'mini-accounts' — stripped-down profiles with significant restrictions on content, interactions, and data collection. The proposals, reported by Le Defi Media, reflect growing concern across Europe and beyond about the mental health impact of social media on young people. Platforms would be required to implement robust age verification mechanisms to enforce the new rules — a technical and legal challenge that has long been debated in digital policy circles. The 'mini-account' concept is particularly noteworthy. Rather than an outright ban for the 13–15 age group, the EU appears to be seeking a middle ground: allowing teenagers limited access while shielding them from algorithmic content recommendations, targeted advertising, and potentially harmful interactions. This nuanced approach acknowledges the social reality that a blanket ban is difficult to enforce and may simply push younger users toward less regulated corners of the internet. For Mauritius, these developments carry real relevance. The island nation has a rapidly growing youth population with high rates of smartphone penetration and social media usage. Local child protection advocates and the National Children's Council have previously raised concerns about online safety, cyberbullying, and the exposure of minors to inappropriate content on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Mauritius introduced the Data Protection Act in 2017, which includes provisions relating to minors, but a specific legislative framework governing children's access to social media remains largely absent. As the EU sets a new global benchmark — much as its GDPR did for data privacy — Mauritian policymakers may find themselves under increasing pressure to follow suit. The broader global trend is unmistakable. Australia recently passed legislation banning under-16s from social media entirely. The UK's Online Safety Act is tightening rules for platforms hosting younger users. If the EU's proposals become law, they would apply to platforms operating across 27 member states — creating commercial incentives for tech companies to adopt similar standards worldwide, including in markets like Mauritius. Parents, educators, and digital rights organisations will be watching closely as the EU's legislative process unfolds. Source: Le Defi Media