EU Commission Proposes New KIDS Act to Protect Children Online
The European Commission unveiled a sweeping EU KIDS Act proposal targeting children's online safety, introducing age-based access rules, safety-by-design mandates, and stringent data protection requirements for digital platforms.
On 17 September 2026, the EU Commission proposed the KIDS Act (EU Keeping Internet Digital Spaces Accountable and Trustworthy), a harmonized framework extending beyond the Digital Services Act and AI Act. The Act establishes age-based access rules prohibiting children under 13 from social media, restricting 13–14 year olds to parent-managed mini accounts, and allowing self-managed accounts from age 15. It mandates safety-by-design measures including restrictions on addictive features, safer recommendation systems, privacy-protective defaults, and stronger protections against harassment and unwanted contacts. Special safeguards require AI companions and chatbots to be disabled by default for minors. Compliance falls primarily on the European Commission, with Very Large Online Platforms facing proactive compliance plans and supervisory fees. Non-compliance carries fines up to 6% of worldwide annual turnover. Adoption is expected to be phased, with obligations beginning six months after enactment, making this a cross-border regulatory milestone with immediate implications for global digital service providers.