European Commission Proposes EU KIDS Act to Enhance Child Safety Online

This regulation aims to reshape how digital services operate, prioritizing child safety and privacy across the EU.

• On September 17, 2026, the European Commission adopted the EU KIDS Act proposal in Strasbourg.
• The proposal establishes age thresholds for social media accounts, prohibiting independent access for children under 13.
• Safety-by-design obligations will be enforced across various digital platforms, targeting addictive features and emotional manipulation.

• The EU KIDS Act builds on existing regulations like the Digital Services Act and the AI Act, responding to rising concerns about minors' online safety.
• Surveys and declarations from EU member states have highlighted the need for stronger safeguards against harmful content and addictive design.
• The proposal is currently in the legislative stage, requiring further negotiation and approval before becoming law.

The EU KIDS Act represents a significant shift in how digital services will be regulated, particularly concerning minors. By establishing clear age thresholds for social media access, the proposal aims to create a safer online environment for children. Under the new rules, children under 13 will be prohibited from having independent social media accounts, while those aged 13-14 will require parent-supervised mini accounts. Only individuals aged 15 and older will be allowed to create autonomous accounts.

This regulatory framework is designed to address documented risks to minors' mental health, privacy, and development. The European Commission has identified algorithmic design and unverified access as key factors contributing to these risks. By mandating safety-by-design obligations, the proposal seeks to eliminate addictive features, unsolicited stranger contact, and emotionally dependent AI interactions across various platforms, including social media, video-sharing services, online games, and app stores.

The enforcement of these regulations will shift the burden of proof onto digital service providers, requiring them to demonstrate compliance with safety standards. Non-compliance could result in fines of up to 6% of a company's worldwide annual turnover, a significant financial incentive for companies to adhere to the new rules.

The proposal is currently in the ordinary legislative procedure, which involves negotiations between the European Parliament and the Council. This process will determine the final shape of the legislation and its implementation timeline. Industry stakeholders and member states are expected to engage actively during these negotiations, as the implications of the EU KIDS Act will affect a wide range of digital services and their operations within the EU.

As the proposal progresses, it will likely influence how digital platforms operate globally, even outside the EU. Companies that provide services to EU residents may need to adjust their offerings to comply with the new regulations, potentially leading to broader changes in digital service design and user experience.

• Parents: Increased control over their children's online activities and access.
• Digital service providers: Need to adapt their platforms to comply with new regulations.
• Minors: Changes in access to social media and online services, impacting their digital interactions.
• AI developers: Must redesign AI systems to avoid fostering dependency among young users.
• Regulatory bodies: Increased responsibilities in monitoring compliance and enforcing new rules.

• Legislative negotiations: Watch for updates on the discussions between the European Parliament and Council, as these will shape the final version of the EU KIDS Act.
• Industry responses: Monitor how digital service providers adapt their platforms to meet the new requirements, particularly regarding age verification and safety features.
• Global compliance changes: Observe whether the EU KIDS Act influences regulations in other regions, potentially leading to a global shift in how digital services are designed for minors.