Draft of new EU law proposes sweeping restrictions on online games
The European Commission's proposed EU KIDS Act aims to regulate minors' access to digital services, including online games, through safety-by-design requirements and age-based restrictions. The framework prohibits independent accounts for children under 13, mandates guardian supervision for those aged 13 to 15, and allows autonomous access starting at 15.
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- ✓ The EU KIDS Act proposal covers online games with tailored safety duties. Its certified age-check rule applies to specific social and video services.
- ✓ The framework prohibits independent accounts for children under 13, mandates guardian supervision for those aged 13 to 15, and allows autonomous access starting at 15.
- ✓ This proposal specifies and expands on existing child safety principles and guidelines under the Digital Services Act (DSA).
- ✓ The European Commission proposes the EU KIDS Act to strengthen protections for minors using digital services and artificial intelligence AI systems.
What changed
The EU KIDS Act proposal now includes specific details on its application to online games, with a focus on tailored safety duties and certified age-check rules.
Live updates
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EU KIDS Act proposes age-based restrictions on online games
The European Commission's proposed EU KIDS Act aims to regulate minors' access to digital services, including online games, through safety-by-design requirements and age-based restrictions. The framework prohibits independent accounts for children under 13, mandates guardian supervision for those aged 13 to 15, and allows autonomous access starting at 15.
Why it matters
This proposal is part of a broader effort to protect young users online, with Germany also advancing its own set of legislative and non-legislative initiatives. The EU KIDS Act could set an example for implementing age verification without putting personal information at risk. The proposed rules apply to video-sharing platforms and social media.
What is confirmed
- The EU KIDS Act proposal covers online games with tailored safety duties. Its certified age-check rule applies to specific social and video services.
- The framework prohibits independent accounts for children under 13, mandates guardian supervision for those aged 13 to 15, and allows autonomous access starting at 15.
- This proposal specifies and expands on existing child safety principles and guidelines under the Digital Services Act (DSA).
- The European Commission proposes the EU KIDS Act to strengthen protections for minors using digital services and artificial intelligence AI systems.
Still unconfirmed
- The EU KIDS Act risks isolating children from valuable online communities through sweeping restrictions that fail to address specific harms or provide better alternatives.
What to watch next
- The European Commission's final decision on the EU KIDS Act
- Germany's implementation of its own legislative and non-legislative initiatives
- The impact of the EU KIDS Act on online game developers and providers
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.techpolicy.press — The EU KIDS Act Could Put Young Gamers' Privacy at Risk
- www.22impact.com — EU Kids Act: Under-15 Social Media Ban Explained | 22 IMPACT
- www.neoteo.com — EU KIDS Act proposal: gaming rules and age checks | NeoTeo
- www.arthurcox.com — EU Kids Act: New proposal to protect kids online
- natlawreview.com — EU KIDS Act: Proposed EU Rules for Online Platforms, Age Verification, and AI Chatbots
- itif.org — EU’s New Internet Law Leaves Kids with Few Alternatives
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EU Kids Act proposal establishes tiered age access for digital services
The European Commission has proposed the EU KIDS Act to regulate minors' access to digital services through safety-by-design requirements and age-based restrictions. The framework prohibits independent accounts for children under 13, mandates guardian supervision for those aged 13 to 15, and allows autonomous access starting at age 15. These rules apply to video-sharing platforms and social media. Simultaneously, Germany is advancing its own set of four legislative and eight non-legislative initiatives to protect young users while the broader European Union rules remain under development.
Why it matters
The act aims to create a uniform EU-wide framework for online safety. It follows months of anticipation from member states and warnings from internet society groups regarding the practical risks of age assurance.
What is confirmed
- The EU KIDS Act introduces an EU-wide framework for minors' access to digital services via safety-by-design requirements and age-based restrictions.
- Independent accounts are prohibited for users under age 13 under the proposed EU KIDS Act.
- The EU KIDS Act requires guardian supervision for users aged 13 to 15.
- Autonomous access to digital services is permitted from age 15 under the proposal.
Still unconfirmed
- Germany's Federal Cabinet is advancing four legislative and eight non-legislative initiatives to strengthen online protections for children.
What to watch next
- Official publication of the EU KIDS Act in the Official Journal of the European Union
- Feedback from internet society groups on the specific age assurance mechanisms
- Alignment between Germany's national initiatives and the final EU framework
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (3)
- eur-lex.europa.eu — Access the Official Journal - EUR-Lex
- www.legal500.com — EU KIDS Act: What Digital Service Providers Need To Know
- germanpolicy.com — Germany plans age restrictions and stronger online ...
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European Leaders Push for Swift Review of the Proposed EU Kids Act
European leaders meeting at the highest levels are expected to urge a fast-track review of the newly proposed EU Keeping Internet Digital Spaces Accountable and Trustworthy Act, commonly called the EU Kids Act. This regulatory initiative targets online safety for minors by setting age verification duties, design bans, and age limits across platforms, artificial intelligence chatbots, and online games. While member states awaited the framework for months, internet society groups and stakeholders have raised concerns over how the age assurance proposals will function in practice without creating new risks.
Why it matters
The European Commission previously unveiled this regulatory package to mandate safe accounts for children and ban minors under 13 from accessing social media platforms. Discussions at the General Affairs Council and the Committee of Permanent Representatives to the EU have shaped upcoming European Council conclusions that invite co-legislators to evaluate the text quickly. The measure sits within a broader landscape of digital policy shifts addressing minor protection online.
What is confirmed
- European Heads of State or Government are expected to call for a faster examination of the EU Keeping Internet Digital Spaces Accountable and Trustworthy Act.
- A draft document outlining possible European Council conclusions followed discussions at the General Affairs Council on Tuesday 13 October and Coreper talks.
- The European Council is expected to take note of the Commission proposal and invite co-legislators to examine it swiftly.
Still unconfirmed
- Age assurance proposals within the EU Kids Act raise questions regarding their effectiveness and whether they protect minors without generating new risks.
What to watch next
- Final adoption of European Council conclusions regarding the EU Kids Act timeline
- Formal legislative response from co-legislators regarding the speed of the review
- Further technical details on age verification duties and platform mandates
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
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- levelandleague.com — The EU Is Out to Kill Games: Inside the "KIDS Act" Uniting ...
- www.internetsociety.org — The EU KIDS Act Should Make Services Safer, Not Create an ...
- agenceurope.eu — European leaders expected to call for faster examination of ...
- techxplore.com — Internet News - Technology News, Internet, World Wide Web
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EU Proposes Strict Online Child Safety Laws
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a sweeping regulatory framework targeting online safety for minors. The proposed legislation includes a ban preventing children under 13 from accessing social media platforms. The initiative also mandates that online services design safe accounts specifically for children. And the regulatory measure establishes new age limits, design bans, and age verification duties that apply across platforms, online games, and artificial intelligence chatbots operating in Europe.
Why it matters
Policymakers introduced the KIDS Act as global scrutiny increases regarding the negative impacts of digital platforms on the physical and mental health of minors. Similar protective initiatives have emerged in countries including Australia, Britain, China, India, Turkey, and several individual European Union nations. The regulation aims to address growing concerns over online dangers by forcing companies to alter how they build and operate digital products.
What is confirmed
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed a ban preventing under-13s from using social media.
- The KIDS Act requires online services to design safe children's accounts.
- The legislation establishes new age limits, design bans, and age verification duties for platforms, games, and AI chatbots.
Still unconfirmed
- Advocacy groups raised concerns regarding the potential impact of the legislation on consumer mechanics and adult players.
What to watch next
- Formal legislative debate and amendments by European lawmakers.
- Response and compliance strategy announcements from major technology and gaming companies.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- cde.news — Von der Leyen unveils sweeping EU plan to protect children online
- digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu — The KIDS Act explained | Shaping Europe’s digital future
- www.briefs.co — China's Hybrid Car Concession Buys Time as EU Preps Safeguards
- www.aoshearman.com — EU KIDS Act Explained: Key compliance rules for businesses
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EU Proposes KIDS Act to Restrict Gaming and Social Media
The European Commission published the proposed EU KIDS Act on September 17, 2026, establishing a regulatory framework targeting child safety online. The legislation covers social media platforms, online games, app stores, AI companions, and chatbots across Europe. Policymakers introduced the measure amid a global backlash against social media driven by evidence of negative impacts on children's physical and mental health. Advocacy groups previously raised strong concerns regarding the scope of the legislation and potential impacts on consumer mechanics, while critics warn the rules could burden developers and restrict adult players.
Why it matters
Regulatory attention on protecting children online has accelerated over the past 12 months, with U.S. states like California and New Jersey enacting measures and European member states debating minimum age requirements for social media. Social media companies and online service providers should expect individual EU countries to impose national child online safety measures before the EU-wide rules take effect.
What is confirmed
- The European Commission published the EU KIDS Act on 17 September 2026.
- The proposed framework covers social media platforms, online games, app stores, AI companions, and chatbots.
Still unconfirmed
- The proposed KIDS Act could burden developers, restrict adult players, and push older games off the market.
- Individual EU countries are expected to impose their own child online safety measures before EU-wide rules take effect.
What to watch next
- Individual EU member states implementing national child online safety measures
- Legislative progress and feedback gathering on the EU KIDS Act proposal
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (6)
- www.thedailystar.net — EU to restrict social media, AI chatbots and online gaming ...
- earlygame.com — The EU’s KIDS Act Could Kill Games in the Name of "Child Safety"
- unrulyfolk.com — The EU Kids Act Explained: What It Means for Kids, Games and ...
- www.privacyanddatasecurityinsight.com — Smiling Faces and Safer Online Spaces: An Overview of the ...
- www.pinsentmasons.com — National child online safety measures expected pre-KIDS Act
- europeanlawblog.eu — From Tobacco to TikTok: The KIDS Act and the Expansion of EU ...
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EU Proposes KIDS Act to Regulate Online Safety and Games
The European Commission has introduced a proposal for the EU KIDS Act, establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework targeting child safety online. The initiative covers social media platforms, online games, app stores, AI companions, and chatbots across Europe. Policymakers have designed the complex regime to address digital protection for minors, prompting the Commission to begin gathering feedback on the measure. Advocacy groups previously raised strong concerns regarding the scope of the legislation and potential impacts on consumer mechanics.
Why it matters
The European Commission unveiled the proposal on September 17, 2026, aiming to create accountability and trustworthy digital spaces. The regulatory framework introduces a minimum age of 15 for social media access and places strict obligations on developers. This legislative push follows growing scrutiny over retention-focused mechanics and digital safety standards within the European Union.
What is confirmed
- The European Commission unveiled its proposal for the EU KIDS Act on September 17, 2026.
- The KIDS Act aims to regulate child safety, age verification, social media, online games, AI chatbots, and app stores in Europe.
- The European Commission is currently gathering feedback on the proposed legislation.
What to watch next
- Review of stakeholder feedback submitted to the European Commission regarding the KIDS Act.
- Further legislative developments and debates in European institutions on the scope of online game restrictions.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- privacymatters.dlapiper.com — EU: Commission proposes a new KIDS Act to protect children ...
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- www.dwt.com — European Commission Proposes EU KIDS Act, a Comprehensive ...
- www.pinsentmasons.com — The scope of the proposed KIDS Act - Pinsent Masons
- digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu — Commission seeks feedback on EU KIDS Act
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Advocacy Group Condemns Proposed EU Kids Act Over Gaming Restrictions
The advocacy group Stop Killing Games has raised alarms over the European Commission proposal for the EU Kids Act, with Ross Scott calling it the most draconian proposal he has ever seen regarding video games and consumers. The regulatory framework, adopted on September 17, 2026, introduces a minimum age of 15 for social media access while targeting online games, app stores, AI companions, and chatbots. Developers face potential restrictions on login bonuses and retention-focused mechanics, alongside mandatory safety-by-design obligations.
Why it matters
The European Commission adopted the EU KIDS Act proposal on September 17, 2026, to establish strict safety obligations and age limits for digital platforms used by minors. The framework addresses features designed to compel regular user return times across multiple digital sectors.
What is confirmed
- The advocacy group Stop Killing Games criticized the EU Kids Act proposal.
- Ross Scott called the legislation the most draconian proposal he has ever seen regarding video games and consumers.
What to watch next
- Reactions from European Union lawmakers and game developer associations
- Potential modifications to the EU Kids Act draft regarding video game mechanics
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.gulf-times.com — tag - Gulf Times
- kotaku.com — Advocacy Group Stop Killing Games Sounds Alarm On EU Kids Act: ‘This Is Such A Horrible Law Proposal’
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EU Proposes Strict Age Limits and Game Controls Under KIDS Act
The European Commission adopted a proposal for the EU KIDS Act on September 17, 2026, introducing strict age limits and safety obligations for digital platforms used by minors. The regulation establishes a minimum age of 15 for social media access and targets online games, app stores, AI companions, and conversational chatbots. Game developers face potential restrictions on common features such as login bonuses and rewards that compel minors to return at specific times. The framework also mandates safety-by-design principles across multiple digital sectors.
Why it matters
The European Commission introduced the framework to strengthen child online safety after determining that existing regulations such as the Digital Services Act, GDPR, AI Act, and Unfair Commercial Practices Directive are insufficient. The Act creates a harmonized EU framework requiring age-assurance and safety obligations for digital providers. This broad initiative aims to transform how tech industries interact with children by regulating design features across various platforms.
What is confirmed
- On September 17, 2026, the European Commission adopted a proposal for an EU KIDS Act.
- The EU KIDS Act establishes a minimum age of 15 for social media access.
- The proposed regulation targets online services including social networking services, video-sharing platforms, software application stores, online games, operating systems, AI companions, and general conversational chatbots.
- The proposed regulation imposes restrictions on common features in online games such as login bonuses.
Still unconfirmed
- Consecutive attendance rewards and limited-time login benefits are likely to fall under the scope of these regulations.
What to watch next
- Legislative progress of the EU KIDS Act within the European Union institutions
- Further guidance from regulatory bodies regarding game design features and login bonuses
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (10)
- www.gamesindustry.biz — The EU KIDS Act: What game developers need to know
- www.solicitorsjournal.com — EU Kids Act proposes new restrictions on children’s social ...
- www.winstontaylor.com — EU Kids Act: what do the planned age restrictions and safety ...
- www.hunton.com — European Commission Unveils Proposal for EU KIDS Act
- www.mondaq.com — EU KIDS Act: Europe's Plan To Strengthen Child Online Safety
- groundworkcollaborative.org — Shoppers' Bill of Rights - Groundwork Collaborative
- www.pearlcohen.com — EU Proposed KIDS Act: Social Media Minimum Age and Safety-by ...
- iapp.org — Inside the EU KIDS Act: A 'specification' of the DSA that ...
- www.pymnts.com — EU Announces New Online Child Safety Proposal: EU KIDS ACT
- www.europesays.com — ‘Daily Logins for Rewards’ Regulated… Will the EU KIDS Act ...
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EU Proposes Sweeping Child Safety Restrictions for Online Games and Social Media
The European Union has introduced a child safety proposal to restrict minors' access to social media, online gaming, and AI chatbots. The plan includes a ban on social media for children under 13 and proposes sweeping restrictions on online games. To enforce these rules, the EU is considering the implementation of an age-verification app. These measures aim to transform how digital platforms interact with children across multiple sectors of the tech industry.
Why it matters
These regulations target the intersection of child development and digital consumption. By focusing on age-gating and platform restrictions, the EU seeks to mitigate risks associated with early exposure to social networks and AI.
What is confirmed
- The EU plans to ban social media for children under 13.
- The EU proposal includes restrictions on social media access for children.
- The child safety proposal targets social media, online gaming, and AI chatbots.
Still unconfirmed
- The EU is developing an age-verification app for children.
What to watch next
- Formal adoption of the draft law into EU regulation
- Technical specifications for the proposed age-verification app
- Industry response from gaming and social media companies
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (9)
- CNN — EU announces plan to ban social media for under 13s
- BBC — EU announces plan to restrict social media access for children
- wired.com — The EU Wants to Break Up Kids and Their Chatbots
- GamesIndustry.biz — Draft of new EU law proposes sweeping restrictions on online games
- WSJ — EU Could Require Age Verification in Minors’ Social Media Restrictions
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- Reuters — Explainer: How the EU's age-verification app for children would work
- CNET — Sweeping EU Child Safety Proposal Would Transform Social Media, Online Gaming and AI Chatbots
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