EU Commission proposes under-13s social media ban

Live updates

1. 30d ago

   EU Commission Proposes KIDS Act to Restrict Youth Social Media Access

   The European Commission adopted a proposal for the Keeping Internet Digital Spaces Accountable and Trustworthy (KIDS) Act on 17 September 2026. The regulation aims to protect children online by restricting social media access for users under 13 and under 15. The proposal includes the implementation of age-verification apps, a ban on artificial intelligence companion tools, and limits on gaming mechanics like login bonuses to prevent minor exploitation. The Commission argues that current frameworks, including the GDPR, AI Act, and DSA, are insufficient to ensure child safety in digital spaces.

   Why it matters

   The act addresses growing concerns over digital wellness and the exploitation of minors through addictive design. It attempts to fill gaps in existing EU digital laws to create a more accountable internet environment for youth. Social scientists have cautioned that strict bans may not resolve the underlying issues facing children online.

   What is confirmed

   • The European Commission adopted the KIDS Act proposal on 17 September 2026.
   • The KIDS Act stands for Keeping Internet Digital Spaces Accountable and Trustworthy.
   • The proposed regulation restricts social media access for users under 13 and under 15.

   What to watch next

   • Legislative voting and formal adoption by EU member states
   • Implementation timelines for age-verification apps
   • Legal challenges from social media platforms regarding the minimum age requirements
   Sources used for this update (32)

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   8. www.israelnationalnews.com — Britain’s 'Settlement' Ban: Rewarding rejectionism at Israel’s expense
   9. www.pearlcohen.com — EU Proposed KIDS Act: Social Media Minimum Age and Safety-by ...
   10. european-union.europa.eu — Your gateway to the EU, News, Highlights | European Union
   11. european-union.europa.eu — EU countries - European Union
   12. www.netmums.com — Social Media Ban for Under-13s: What It Means - Netmums
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2. 38d ago

   EU Proposes Under-13s Social Media Ban

   The European Commission is advancing the KIDS Act to restrict social media access for users under 13 and under 15. The proposed regulatory package implements age-verification apps, bans artificial intelligence companion tools, and targets minor exploitation by limiting gaming mechanics such as login bonuses. Advocates press for swift enforcement, whereas social scientists caution that strict prohibitions may fail to resolve the core digital wellness issues confronting youth.

   Why it matters

   Regulatory scrutiny over digital spaces and youth protection has accelerated across international jurisdictions. Lawmakers and public health advocates continue to debate whether technical restrictions or underlying behavioral interventions provide the most effective shield for minors.

   What is confirmed

   • The European Commission is proposing the KIDS Act to restrict social media access for users under 13 and under 15.
   • The regulatory package includes the use of age-verification apps and a ban on AI companion tools.
   • The legislation limits common gaming mechanics such as login bonuses to protect minors from online exploitation.

   What to watch next

   • Legislative advancement or committee votes on the KIDS Act within the European Union.
   • Responses from major technology platforms and gaming companies regarding age-verification compliance.
   Sources used for this update (4)

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3. 39d ago

   EU Commission proposes social media ban for under-13s

   The European Commission is proposing the KIDS Act to restrict social media access for users under 13 and under 15. The regulatory package includes the use of age-verification apps and a ban on AI companion tools. To protect minors from online exploitation, the legislation would also limit common gaming mechanics such as login bonuses. While advocates seek rapid implementation, some social scientists argue that strict prohibitions may fail to address the underlying causes of digital issues affecting youth.

   Why it matters

   The proposal targets the systemic exploitation of minors through addictive design and AI. It represents a shift toward mandatory age verification to enforce digital boundaries. The debate centers on whether technical bans are more effective than addressing root causes.

   What to watch next

   • Official publication of the KIDS Act text
   • Response from social media platforms regarding age-verification compliance
   • EU parliamentary vote on the proposed restrictions
   Sources used for this update (4)

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4. 41d ago

   EU KIDS Act proposal targets online gaming features

   The European Commission's proposed KIDS Act would restrict common online gaming mechanics, including login bonuses, as part of a broader regulatory package for minors. The legislation aims to limit social media access for users under 13 and under 15 through age-verification apps and bans on AI companion tools. While advocates push for faster implementation to stop online exploitation, some social scientists warn that strict prohibitions may not address the root causes of youth digital issues.

   Why it matters

   This regulatory push follows a global trend toward stricter youth digital laws, similar to restrictions in Australia endorsed by Apple's Tim Cook. The act seeks to modernize safety standards for digital platforms and gaming environments.

   What is confirmed

   • The European Commission proposed the KIDS Act to limit social media access for users under 13 and under 15.
   • The regulatory package includes an age-verification app mechanism and restrictions on AI companion apps.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The proposed regulation would impose significant restrictions on common features in online games, such as login bonuses.

   What to watch next

   • Formal adoption or rejection of the KIDS Act by EU member states
   • Implementation details for the age-verification app mechanism
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. jen.jiji.com — Kyrgyzstan proposes new permanent seats on UN Security Council
   2. www.gamesindustry.biz — The EU KIDS Act: What game developers need to know
   confidence 90%
5. 44d ago

   EU Urged to Accelerate Child Safety Rules Amid Global Platform Scrutiny

   Advocates demand faster European action against online exploitation and unsafe digital platforms following the European Commission proposal for age-access limits under the KIDS Act. Meanwhile, Apple executive chair Tim Cook endorsed Australia's under-16 social media restrictions as world-leading, highlighting an international shift toward stricter youth regulations. The European regulatory package targets minors with potential bans or access limits for those under 13 and under 15, an age-verification app mechanism, and restrictions on AI companion apps. Estonian social scientists previously cautioned that blunt prohibitions might fail to resolve underlying youth issues.

   Why it matters

   Governments and technology leaders face escalating pressure to safeguard minors from online abuse and predatory platform algorithms. The European Commission initiative represents a major legislative attempt to standardize child protection across member states, intersecting with global debates over appropriate age thresholds. Apple executive support for strict Australian restrictions signals shifting corporate alignment with aggressive platform limitations.

   What is confirmed

   • The Children's Rights Alliance online safety coordinator urged the European Union to implement stronger regulation to protect children from online abuse, exploitation, and unsafe platforms.
   • Apple executive chair Tim Cook endorsed Australia's social media approach, which includes under-16 restrictions and child safety tools, describing the measures as world-leading.

   What to watch next

   • Formal European Union legislative responses to child rights advocates demanding accelerated deployment of online safety measures.
   • Potential adoption of elements from Australia's under-16 restriction model within broader international regulatory packages.
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. www.rte.ie — EU urged to act faster on online risks facing children
   2. indiantelevision.com — Tim Cook endorses Australia’s social media approach as ‘world-leading’: PM Anthony Albanese
   confidence 90%
6. 45d ago

   EU Proposes Under-13s Social Media Ban and AI Curbs

   The European Commission has proposed sweeping child safety rules under the KIDS Act, targeting social media access, online gaming, and AI chatbots for minors. The regulatory package features potential bans or age-access limits for children under 13 or under 15 depending on the specific proposal, alongside an age-verification app mechanism. And the draft law aims to prevent AI companion apps from forming emotional attachments with teenagers and requires those systems to delete memory data. Estonian social scientists caution that blunt bans fail to resolve underlying issues and might introduce new problems.

   Why it matters

   Lawmakers across multiple jurisdictions are intensifying efforts to combat internet and social media addiction among children. The European discussions run parallel to other international actions, such as Australia implementing youth social media curbs that drew praise from Apple executive Tim Cook. The proposed EU regulations represent a major push to reshape how technology platforms interact with young users.

   What is confirmed

   • The European Commission proposed rules under the KIDS Act that would restrict social media access for children.
   • Apple Executive Chair Tim Cook described Australia's social media restrictions as world-leading during a meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The European Union is set to propose a ban on social media and AI chatbots specifically for under-15s.

   What to watch next

   • Legislative advancement or debate on the KIDS Act within EU institutions
   • Further details on the mechanics and deployment of the proposed age-verification app
   Sources used for this update (21)

   1. Reuters — EU is set to propose ban on social media and AI chatbots for under-15s
   2. CNN — EU announces plan to ban social media for under 13s
   3. BBC — EU announces plan to restrict social media access for children
   4. reuters.com — EU Commission proposes under-13s social media ban
   5. wired.com — The EU Wants to Break Up Kids and Their Chatbots
   6. dw.com — Europe seeks stricter age limits for social media
   7. GamesIndustry.biz — Draft of new EU law proposes sweeping restrictions on online games
   8. IEEE Spectrum — Countries Seek to Curb Social Media Addiction for Kids.
   9. WSJ — EU Could Require Age Verification in Minors’ Social Media Restrictions
   10. RTE.ie — 'I miss the chatbots' - EU plans put problematic AI use in focus
   11. Reuters — What is in the EU's planned KIDS Act?
   12. Positive News — What went right this week: the good news that matters
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