EC Proposes 'EU KIDS Act'
Published Friday 18 September 2026 at 09:16
The European Commission has unveiled a major legislative proposal, the EU KIDS Act, aimed at fundamentally changing how major online platforms and social media networks interact with underage users. The core pillar of the new regulation is reversing the burden of proof—tech giants themselves will now have to demonstrate that their services are "safe by design" for children’s mental health and development.
The initiative responds to growing concerns among European citizens. According to the latest Eurobarometer survey, 92% of Europeans consider strengthening the protection of young people in the digital space against threats like cyberbullying, addictive design, and exposure to harmful content as a top political priority.
Key Rules Imposed by the Act
The legislation establishes a clear structure based on age tiers and enhanced parental controls:
For children under 13: A complete ban on traditional social media. Access will be limited exclusively to child-friendly, safe video-sharing platforms. These accounts must be fully managed by a parent or guardian, with a strict screen time limit of 1 hour per day.
For teens aged 13 to 15: The introduction of "mini-accounts" requiring parental approval. These accounts will feature built-in privacy safeguards, limited social reach, and an automatic 1-hour daily usage limit.
Autonomous access at 15: Youth will only be allowed to independently create standard social media profiles after turning 15.
Robust Age Verification and Enforcement
To ensure compliance, platforms and app stores will be legally required to implement secure age verification mechanisms. The European Commission encourages the use of an EU-wide age verification app that guarantees top-tier data privacy without storing biometric info or ID documents. For existing profiles, companies must estimate the user's age using reliable indicators.
Platforms must submit detailed compliance plans to the Commission and independent auditors. A significant innovation includes accelerated enforcement procedures, mandating the Commission to conclude non-compliance investigations within 90 days.
Official Reaction and Next Steps
"Today, our children are interacting with the most sophisticated tech ever created—tech that was never designed with their well-being in mind. With our landmark law, we reverse the burden of proof and put parents back in the driving seat," stated European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
The legislative proposal has now been sent to the European Parliament and the Council of the EU for review and adoption. Given the urgency of coordinated action across the EU, the Commission is calling for a swift legislative process.
