Epic boss Tim Sweeney says the EU’s social media ban for under-13s ‘would be terrible for the next generation of humanity’
The European Union announced the EU KIDS Act—an acronym standing for “Keeping Internet Digital Spaces Accountable and Trustworthy”—which would impose strict new regulations on social media, video sharing, gaming, and other online services. The legislation includes a blanket ban on social media accounts for anyone under the age of 13.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney has publicly criticized the proposed regulation, characterizing it as “terrible for the next generation of humanity.” His primary concern centers on how the age restrictions would impact young people’s ability to develop creativity and express themselves online. Sweeney argues that the restrictions would be significantly detrimental to creative growth and expression among children and teenagers.
The legislation represents the EU’s approach to protecting minors in digital spaces, but Sweeney’s criticism highlights an ongoing tension between regulatory child-protection measures and the potential downsides of restricting young people’s access to digital platforms. These online spaces are increasingly important for developing creative skills, building social connections, and participating in digital communities. The debate reflects broader questions about how to balance child safety and development needs in an increasingly digital world.