EU builds open source app to enforce proposed social media ban for 450 million pre-teens

The European Commission proposed the Kids Act, banning social media for children under 13 and requiring parental control until 15, covering 450 million people across 27 countries. Age verification will run through a free EU open source app that returns only a yes/no answer without revealing identity. Pilots in seven countries, full launch by end of 2026; fines up to 6% of global revenue.

• Social media ban for under-13s, parental consent required until 15
• Coverage: 450 million people in 27 EU countries
• Pilots in Cyprus, Denmark, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy and Spain
• Fines for violations up to 6% of global annual revenue