EU is set to propose ban on social media and AI chatbots for under-15s
The European Commission has proposed the EU KIDS Act, introducing strict regulations for age verification, child safety, and online platforms. The legislation sets 15 as the age for independent social media accounts, introduces parent-supervised accounts for 13- and 14-year-olds, and restricts addictive design, unsafe recommendations, and some AI chatbot features.
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- ✓ The EU KIDS Act sets 15 as the age for independent social media accounts.
- ✓ The EU KIDS Act introduces parent-supervised accounts for 13- and 14-year-olds.
- ✓ The legislation restricts addictive design, unsafe recommendations, and some AI chatbot features.
- ✓ The EU KIDS Act aims to introduce harmonised age restrictions on social media access and enhanced safety-by-design and age verification requirements.
What changed
The European Commission has formally proposed the EU KIDS Act, outlining specific rules for children's online safety and social media access.
Live updates
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EU proposes ban on social media and AI chatbots for under-15s
The European Commission has proposed the EU KIDS Act, introducing strict regulations for age verification, child safety, and online platforms. The legislation sets 15 as the age for independent social media accounts, introduces parent-supervised accounts for 13- and 14-year-olds, and restricts addictive design, unsafe recommendations, and some AI chatbot features.
Why it matters
This initiative aims to protect minors in digital environments, addressing growing concerns regarding platform exposure, age verification enforcement, and artificial intelligence chatbot interactions. The proposed regulations would establish standardized requirements across EU member states. This move follows European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's push to restrict social media access for individuals under fifteen.
What is confirmed
- The EU KIDS Act sets 15 as the age for independent social media accounts.
- The EU KIDS Act introduces parent-supervised accounts for 13- and 14-year-olds.
- The legislation restricts addictive design, unsafe recommendations, and some AI chatbot features.
- The EU KIDS Act aims to introduce harmonised age restrictions on social media access and enhanced safety-by-design and age verification requirements.
Still unconfirmed
- The KIDS Act is likely to evolve as it progresses through the EU legislative process.
What to watch next
- The EU legislative process and potential changes to the KIDS Act
- The impact of the regulations on social media platforms and digital services
- The implementation of the KIDS Act and its effectiveness in protecting children's online safety
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (3)
- www.legal500.com — EU KIDS Act: Beyond A Social Media Ban—How Will The New Rules ...
- www.wionews.com — EU Kids Act explained: What the new rules could mean for ...
- www.debevoisedatablog.com — The EU KIDS Act: New Rules Proposed for Children’s Online ...
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EU Proposes Strict Access Restrictions on Social Media for Minors
The European Commission has proposed the EU KIDS Act, introducing strict European Union-wide regulations for age verification, child safety, and online platforms. This initiative follows movement from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to restrict social media access for individuals under the age of fifteen. The legislation establishes standardized requirements across member states to protect minors in digital environments, addressing growing concerns regarding platform exposure, age verification enforcement, and artificial intelligence chatbot interactions.
Why it matters
Digital platform regulation has become a primary policy focus for European Union leadership amid rising concerns regarding youth mental health and online safety. The proposed framework aims to harmonize disparate national approaches to age verification and digital access into a single regulatory instrument. This move directly targets major technology firms and artificial intelligence providers operating within the single market.
What is confirmed
- The European Commission has proposed the EU KIDS Act.
- Ursula von der Leyen is the President of the European Commission.
What to watch next
- Formal text release of the EU KIDS Act by the European Commission
- Reactions and amendments from the European Parliament and member states
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- www.legal500.com — EU KIDS Act: Proposed EU Rules For Online Platforms, Age ...
- www.europesays.com — Von der Leyen Moves to Lock Down Social Media for Under-15s ...
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EU KIDS Act expands child safety rules for AI chatbots and digital platforms
The European Commission is proposing the KIDS Act to establish a tiered access system for minors. Children under 13 would be banned from social media, online games, and AI chatbots. Those aged 13 to 15 would be limited to one hour of daily access via parent-supervised mini accounts. Independent account creation remains restricted to users 15 and older. The proposal introduces new safety obligations for AI providers and digital platforms, specifically through Article 14, which targets AI chatbots accessible to minors.
Why it matters
This proposal expands child safety principles already established under the Digital Services Act. It aims to standardize protections across the bloc by shifting responsibility toward platform providers. The legislation would create a legal mandate for age verification and parental supervision.
What is confirmed
- The KIDS Act introduces new child safety obligations for digital platforms and AI providers.
- Article 14 of the proposed KIDS Act sets specific obligations for AI chatbots accessible to minors.
- The proposal expands upon existing child safety guidelines found in the Digital Services Act.
Still unconfirmed
- A draft European Commission document revealed the details of the under-15 ban on September 14-15, 2026.
What to watch next
- Official publication of the final KIDS Act text
- Formal vote by the European Parliament
- Industry response from AI providers regarding Article 14 compliance
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.brownejacobson.com — EU Kids Act: What digital platforms & AI providers must know
- www.22impact.com — EU Kids Act: Under-15 Social Media Ban Explained | 22 IMPACT
- afterglow.news — "Age Before Beauty: Leaked EU 'Kids Act' Would Bar Under-15s ...
- www.arthurcox.com — EU Kids Act: New proposal to protect kids online
- www.wansom.ai — EU: New KIDS Act Article 14 Targets AI Chatbots for Minors
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EU Proposes Strict Age Limits and Bans in KIDS Act
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed the EU KIDS Act during her State of the Union address in Strasbourg, outlining a tiered access system for minors across the bloc. Under the proposal, a total ban on social media platforms, online games, and artificial intelligence chatbots would apply to children under 13. Children aged 13 to 15 would face restricted access limited to one hour per day via supervised mini accounts set up by parents. Independent account creation would be permitted only for users aged 15 and older.
Why it matters
The proposal follows intense debates across several European member states regarding minimum age requirements for online platforms. The European Commission published the draft legislation on September 17, 2026, aiming to create a unified strategy to govern the digital footprints of young people. Businesses must now contend with new compliance rules regarding age verification and design bans.
What is confirmed
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed the EU KIDS Act during her State of the Union address to MEPs in Strasbourg.
- The European Commission published the EU KIDS Act on September 17, 2026.
- The proposal sets new age limits, design bans, and age verification duties for platforms, games, and artificial intelligence chatbots.
Still unconfirmed
- A total ban on accessing social media platforms, online games, and artificial intelligence chatbots would apply to under-13s across the 27 member states.
What to watch next
- Approval decisions from the European Parliament and the Council.
- Legislative adjustments regarding age verification duties and platform compliance rules.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- europeanlawblog.eu — From Tobacco to TikTok: The KIDS Act and the Expansion of EU ...
- www.aoshearman.com — EU KIDS Act Explained: Key compliance rules for businesses
- www.cullen-international.com — Many European countries consider banning minors from ...
- universitytimes.ie — The Social Media Ban: A Necessary Measure or an Unfair ...
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EU proposes ban on social media and AI chatbots for under-15s
The European Commission has proposed the EU Kids Act to restrict social media access for children under 15 and deactivate AI companion chatbots by default for minors. The act aims to create a safer digital environment for young people. The proposal still needs approval from the European Parliament and the Council.
Why it matters
The proposed legislation seeks to establish uniform child safety rules across EU member states. It shifts the legal burden of child safety directly onto technology platforms, app stores, and online gaming services. This development is part of a broader effort to regulate digital services and protect children online.
What is confirmed
- The EU Kids Act proposes to restrict social media access for children under 15.
- The act requires AI companion chatbots to be deactivated by default for minors.
- The proposal mandates safety-by-design standards and certified zero-knowledge age verification checks.
- The EU Kids Act still needs approval from the European Parliament and the Council.
Still unconfirmed
- The EU Kids Act covers social media, AI chatbots, and online games.
What to watch next
- Feedback deadline on the EU Kids Act
- European Parliament and Council approval
- Implementation timeline
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu — Commission seeks feedback on EU KIDS Act
- www.eryica.org — The European Commission proposes to restrict social media ...
- juristas.com.br — O EU KIDS ACT: a proposta europeia de proteção a crianças e adolescentes no ambiente digital
- unrulyfolk.com — The EU Kids Act Explained: What It Means for Kids, Games and ...
- www.legal500.com — The EU KIDS Act: New Rules For Children’s Use Of Social Media ...
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EU Proposes KIDS Act to Restrict Social Media and AI for Under-15s
The European Commission has proposed the EU Keeping Internet Digital Spaces Accountable and Trustworthy (KIDS) Act to establish uniform child safety rules across member states. The legislation seeks to restrict social media and video-sharing platform access for children under 15 and requires AI companion chatbots to be deactivated by default for minors. To enforce these limits, the act mandates safety-by-design standards and certified zero-knowledge age verification checks. These measures shift the legal burden of child safety directly onto technology platforms, app stores, and online gaming services.
Why it matters
Policymakers are responding to a global backlash against social media fueled by evidence of negative impacts on children's mental and physical health. The proposed regulation aims to create a safer online environment through age-appropriate restrictions. It represents a transition toward a complex, EU-wide safety regime for minors.
What is confirmed
- The European Commission unveiled the EU KIDS Act proposal on 17 September 2026.
- The act proposes restricted access to social media and video-sharing platforms for users under 15.
- The legislation includes safety-by-design obligations for digital platforms.
- The proposal aims to protect minors online through a new EU-wide regulation.
What to watch next
- EU member state voting on the adoption of the KIDS Act
- Implementation timelines for zero-knowledge age verification
- Legal challenges from technology platforms regarding age-based restrictions
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (11)
- privacymatters.dlapiper.com — EU: Commission proposes a new KIDS Act to protect children ...
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- hollywoodwhores.com — Moaning oral sex performed by Mila Kunis | HollywoodWhores
- celebjihad.com — Mila Kunis Nude Scenes & Photos - Celeb Jihad
- nudebase.com — Mila Kunis Nude – Pics and Videos | NudeBase.com
- www.thedailystar.net — EU to restrict social media, AI chatbots and online gaming ...
- cde.news — EU Proposes Age Limits on Social Media for Young Children
- www.dwt.com — European Commission Proposes EU KIDS Act, a Comprehensive ...
- www.lw.com — EU KIDS Act: EU Commission Publishes Proposal on Child ...
- www.pinsentmasons.com — The scope of the proposed KIDS Act - Pinsent Masons
- digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu — The KIDS Act explained | Shaping Europe’s digital future
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EU Proposes KIDS Act to Restrict Social Media and AI for Minors
The European Commission published the Keeping Internet Digital Spaces Accountable and Trustworthy Act on 17 September 2026. The legislation aims to establish uniform child safety rules across member states, shifting the enforcement burden directly onto technology platforms. The proposal implements age-based restrictions up to 15 years old for social media accounts and forces AI companion chatbots to be deactivated by default for minors. Platforms must also implement certified zero-knowledge age verification checks and safety-by-design standards before permitting access to younger users.
Why it matters
Twenty-three of the 27 European Union member states were already pursuing individual, incompatible age restrictions, creating a fragmented regulatory environment that prompted the European Commission to act. The newly proposed legislation intends to harmonize these disparate national rules under a single bloc-wide framework. However, the proposal faces years of legislative negotiation before it can be enacted into law.
What is confirmed
- The European Commission published its proposal for the EU Keeping Internet Digital Spaces Accountable and Trustworthy Act on 17 September 2026.
- The proposal reverses the enforcement burden onto platforms and forces them to prove safety before allowing under-15s access.
- Twenty-three of 27 member states were pursuing their own incompatible age restrictions prior to the proposal.
- The legislation requires certified, zero-knowledge age checks and sets three youth account bands.
- The framework extends child-safety duties to games, AI companions, and chatbots.
- The proposal requires AI companion chatbots to be turned off by default for minors.
Still unconfirmed
- The legislation faces years of negotiation before becoming law.
What to watch next
- Legislative negotiations among European Union member states and the European Parliament
- Amendments regarding the exact technical specifications for zero-knowledge age verification methods
- Formal responses from major social media platforms and artificial intelligence developers to the mandated default-off settings
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (8)
- www.irishlegal.com — Bird & Bird: The EU KIDS Act, A new generation of rules for child online safety
- socialday.live — EU KIDS Act forces platforms to prove safety before allowing ...
- www.zyphe.com — EU KIDS Act proposal: age checks at 15, ZK proofs | Zyphe
- theoutpost.ai — EU Kids Act Bans Social Media for Under-13s, Targets AI Chatbots
- quasa.io — EU KIDS Act: Solo Social Accounts From 15, Chatbots Covered
- journalismcentral.com — EU Unveils Kids Act to Force AI Chatbots Off by Default for ...
- www.solicitorsjournal.com — EU Kids Act proposes new restrictions on children’s social ...
- cde.news — EU to propose KIDS Act on social media safety - cde.news
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EU Proposes Strict Social Media Restrictions for Under-15s
The European Union announced plans to restrict social media access for individuals under fifteen years of age across member states to improve general wellbeing. This initiative follows the European Commission unveiling the KIDS Act under the leadership of President Ursula von der Leyen. The previously reported legislation sets strict digital safety rules, including an outright ban for children under thirteen, mandatory parental supervision for thirteen- and fourteen-year-olds, and age verification mandates for specific online games, social networks, and artificial intelligence chatbots.
Why it matters
European leaders face intense pressure to address addictive online features and digital harms impacting young users. The regulatory push targets major technology platforms by requiring strict age verification measures across multiple digital services.
What is confirmed
- The European Union announced plans to restrict social media access for under-15s across member states to increase wellbeing.
- The European Commission unveiled the KIDS Act, introducing strict digital safety regulations across member states.
- The proposal bans children under 13 from holding social media accounts and mandates parental supervision for 13- and 14-year-olds.
- The legislation outlines age verification requirements for specific online games, social media networks, and artificial intelligence chatbots.
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen led the initiative following pressure to address addictive online features and digital harms.
What to watch next
- Formal adoption of the KIDS Act by EU member states
- Implementation details for age verification mechanisms on social media and AI chatbots
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (2)
- videoweek.com — Week in Review: UK Lords Propose Gambling Ad Ban, NYT Claims OpenAI Execs Knew of AI’s Harm to Publishers, and Channel 4 Sales to Represent Channel 5
- asaaseradio.com — EU announces plan to restrict social media access for under-15s
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EU Proposes Kids Act Restricting Social Media for Under-15s
The European Commission has unveiled the KIDS Act, introducing strict digital safety regulations across member states. The proposal bans children under 13 from holding social media accounts and mandates parental supervision for 13- and 14-year-olds. Additionally, the legislation outlines age verification requirements for specific online games, social media networks, and artificial intelligence chatbots. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen led the initiative following intense pressure to address addictive online features and digital harms impacting young users.
Why it matters
Member states like France, the Netherlands, and Spain have actively campaigned for unified European rules to address youth digital safety. The measures establish continent-wide age verification mandates that target video-sharing platforms, online video games, social networks, and artificial intelligence chatbots. The proposal now faces legislative scrutiny as it moves through the regulatory process in Brussels.
What is confirmed
- The European Commission proposed the KIDS Act to restrict social media access for children under 15.
- The initiative includes a ban on social media accounts for children under 13.
- Thirteen- and 14-year-olds face new restrictions requiring parental supervision and account limits.
- The proposal introduces age verification requirements for certain online games, social media, and artificial intelligence chatbots.
- Ursula von der Leyen is leading the initiative for the European Commission.
What to watch next
- Legislative debate and amendments by the European Parliament and member states on the KIDS Act
- Details on how age verification technology will be implemented across platforms
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.vice.com — The EU Wants Age Verification for Online Games, Social Media, and AI Chatbots. Here’s Why.
- www.outlookindia.com — EU Proposes KIDS Act To Restrict Social Media Access For Under-15s
- www.theparliamentmagazine.eu — Europe’s social media ban for kids hits regulatory reality
- minutemirror.com.pk — Brussels unveils plan to bar under 13s from social media platforms
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EU Proposes Strict Age Limits for Social Media and AI Chatbots
The European Union is preparing to unveil the EU Kids Act, introducing major digital safety measures that include a total social media ban for children under 13 alongside restricted access and personal account limits for minors under 15. Led by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the initiative follows years of mounting pressure over addictive online features and digital harms affecting youth. Member states such as France, the Netherlands, and Spain have actively pushed for unified European rules, setting the stage for continent-wide age verification mandates across social networks, video-sharing platforms, AI chatbots, and online video games.
Why it matters
Digital safety has become a top priority for European regulators amid rising concerns over the mental health impacts of infinite scrolling, personalized feeds, and algorithmic manipulation. Prior national efforts, including repeated pushes by France, faced fragmented results before prompting this synchronized European Union response. The incoming legislation targets not only traditional social networking sites but also emerging technologies like generative artificial intelligence and interactive gaming ecosystems.
What is confirmed
- The European Union is introducing the EU Kids Act to establish age-based access rules for minors online.
- Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans to bar social media for children under 13.
- The proposed regulations include restrictions for users under 15 regarding personal accounts, AI chatbots, video-sharing platforms, and online games.
- France, the Netherlands, and Spain have pushed for EU-wide minimum age rules on social media.
Still unconfirmed
- Gamers will be universally required to prove their age under the upcoming EU Kids Act regulations.
What to watch next
- The official unveiling of the EU Kids Act by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
- Legislative negotiations among EU member states regarding enforcement mechanisms and age verification standards
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (20)
- politico.eu — EU to limit access to social media before age of 15
- Euronews.com — France submits new proposal to ban social media for under-15s after failed attempt
- Bloomberg.com — EU Looking to Restrict Social Media, Chatbots for Kids Under 15
- euractiv.com — Gamers will have to prove their age under EU Kids Act
- lemonde.fr — France makes new attempt to ban social media for children under age 15
- Euronews.com — The Netherlands, Spain push for EU-wide minimum age on social media
- Reuters — EU is set to propose ban on social media and AI chatbots for under-15s
- Euronews.com — Leak: EU Commission to pitch social media restrictions for under-15s
- Yahoo — EU chief to unveil social media, gaming curbs for under-15s
- Yahoo — EU's von der Leyen to unveil plans on digital children safety measures
- The New York Times — Age Limits for Social Media Outlined by European Union
- Financial Times — EU to restrict social media and chatbots for children under 15
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