European lawmakers have proposed a minimum age of 16 for accessing social media and AI companions across the EU, banning those under 13 entirely. Christel Schaldemose, a Danish EU lawmaker, emphasized the need for "stronger safeguards for minors." The proposal includes fines for platforms violating the Digital Services Act and calls to restrict algorithms targeting minors and gambling-like features in games. This initiative reflects growing concerns over children's online safety and mental health.