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Event

Von der Leyen proposes EU ban on under-13s accessing social media, games and chatbots

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is delivering a speech outlining her priorities for the coming year and her vision for addressing challenges facing the European Union. Mark Carney is in attendance, and artificial intelligence is on the agenda.

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Von der Leyen proposes under-13 restrictions on social media, games and chatbots

The European Commission president also proposed exploring associate-member status for Canada, with both measures remaining at the proposal stage.

Background

Why this event matters

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is delivering her state of the European Union speech, setting out priorities for the coming year and her approach to challenges facing the EU. Artificial intelligence is on the agenda, with Mark Carney attending. Retrieved same-event reporting says von der Leyen proposed exploring restrictions on under-13s accessing social media, games and chatbots, and exploring associate-member status for Canada. Both remain proposals.

event-brief

Von der Leyen proposes EU ban on under-13s accessing social media, games and chatbots

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is delivering her state of the European Union speech, setting out priorities for the coming year and her approach to challenges facing the EU. Artificial intelligence is on the agenda, with Mark Carney attending. Retrieved same-e

Reporting trail
France 24 International | https://www.france24.com/en/video/20260916-von-der-leyen-gives-state-of-the-eu-speech-with-mark-carney-in-the-room-and-ai-on-the-agenda | published 2026-09-16T13:09:31.000Z | primary sourceFrance 24 International source | Primary supplied report confirming the speech, its broad purpose, Carney’s attendance and AI on the agenda.Retrieved same-event context | Reports additional proposals concerning under-13 access and Canada’s possible associate-member status.France 24 International | https://www.france24.com/en/video/20260916-replay-ursula-von-der-leyen-full-state-of-the-union-address | published 2026-09-16T10:07:26.000Z | primary sourceFrance 24 International, “REPLAY - Ursula von der Leyen: Full State of the Union address” | Primary report of the speech and the two proposals.Event digest | Concise corroborating summary of the reported proposals.Historical context: “EU backs exploration of associate membership for Canada” | Clarifies that Canadian associate membership was exploratory and distinct from full membership.

Fact cards

entity brief

Von der Leyen proposes EU ban on under-13s accessing social media, games and chatbots: key people and institutions

Key entities: Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission, Mark Carney, Canada.

faq brief

Von der Leyen proposes EU ban on under-13s accessing social media, games and chatbots: key questions

What is the event? Ursula von der Leyen’s state of the European Union speech. What is on the agenda? Priorities for the coming year, EU challenges and artificial intelligence. What restrictions were proposed for under-13s? Exploring limits on access to social media, games and cha

source brief

Von der Leyen proposes EU ban on under-13s accessing social media, games and chatbots: reporting sources

France 24 International | https://www.france24.com/en/video/20260916-von-der-leyen-gives-state-of-the-eu-speech-with-mark-carney-in-the-room-and-ai-on-the-agenda | published 2026-09-16T13:09:31.000Z | primary source | France 24 International source | Primary supplied report confi

timeline brief

Von der Leyen proposes EU ban on under-13s accessing social media, games and chatbots: timeline

2026-09-16: Von der Leyen delivers her state of the European Union speech. 2026-09-16: Artificial intelligence is included on the agenda, with Mark Carney in attendance. 2026-09-16: Same-event reporting says von der Leyen proposed exploring under-13 restrictions on social media,

Timeline

2026-09-16

Von der Leyen delivers her state of the European Union speech.

2026-09-16

Artificial intelligence is included on the agenda, with Mark Carney in attendance.

2026-09-16

Same-event reporting says von der Leyen proposed exploring under-13 restrictions on social media, games and chatbots.

2026-09-16

She also proposed exploring associate-member status for Canada.

FAQ

What is the event?

Ursula von der Leyen’s state of the European Union speech.

What is on the agenda?

Priorities for the coming year, EU challenges and artificial intelligence.

What restrictions were proposed for under-13s?

Exploring limits on access to social media, games and chatbots.

Has Canada been offered EU membership?

The report refers to exploring associate-member status, not full membership.

Have the proposals been adopted?

No; the available material describes them as proposals.

What age group would the proposed restriction affect?

Children under 13.

Which services would it cover?

Social media, online games and chatbots.

Is the restriction already EU law?

No. It was presented as a proposal, with no reported approval or implementation timetable.

What is associate membership for Canada?

A proposed closer relationship with the EU; it would not make Canada a full EU member.

Has Canada’s associate membership been formally established?

No formal decision, timetable or legal framework is reported.