BRUSSELS PLANS TO BAN SOCIAL MEDIA USE FOR CHILDREN UNDER 13

STRASBOURG, SEPTEMBER 16 /SRNA/ - The European Commission plans to ban children under the age of 13 from using social media, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

"I am aware that many people believe that the power of big technology companies is both enormous and impossible to challenge, but I do not agree with that view," von der Leyen said in an address to members of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

Under the European Commission's plan, children from the age of 13 will have access to social media under parental supervision, but will be able to create a personal profile once they turn 15.

Major social media platforms have set the minimum age of 13 in their terms of access.

EU regulatory agencies have repeatedly come under criticism for failing to effectively enforce age restrictions.

German news agency DPA reported that a more detailed draft law is expected to be presented tomorrow.