EU to restrict social media and chatbots for children under 15

Live updates

1. 32d ago

   EU Kids Act proposes age limits for social media and chatbots

   The European Commission's proposed EU Kids Act aims to restrict social media access for children under 15. The act, introduced on 17 September 2026, would ban children under 13 from holding social media accounts and require parental supervision for those aged 13 and 14. Non-compliant companies risk fines of up to 6% of their global revenue.

   Why it matters

   The proposed regulation seeks to protect minors from online harm by limiting access to social media, video-sharing sites, games, and AI chatbots. This move is part of a broader effort to ensure online safety and accountability. The EU Kids Act would impose significant restrictions on common features in online games and social media platforms.

   What is confirmed

   • Children under 13 are banned from holding social media accounts
   • Those aged 13 and 14 require parental supervision for social media use
   • Non-compliant companies risk fines of up to 6% of their global revenue
   • The proposed regulation targets addictive apps to protect children online
   • The EU Kids Act extends child-safety duties to games, AI companions, and chatbots
   • The solo social account age limit is set at 15

   Still unconfirmed

   • A potential $219 bn penalty for non-compliance with AI regulations

   What to watch next

   • The European Commission's final decision on the EU Kids Act
   • The implementation of the EU Kids Act and its impact on social media companies
   • The response from game developers and online service providers
   Sources used for this update (15)

   1. www.euronews.com — The 'EU Kids Act' targets addictive apps to protect children online
   2. www.gamesindustry.biz — The EU KIDS Act: What game developers need to know
   3. economictimes.indiatimes.com — IRDAI proposal hits insurance stocks; FSSAI vs ecomm giants
   4. www.breitbart.com — X Articles - Breitbart
   5. overturned.substack.com — September 2026: The Latest in Tech Authoritarianism
   6. quasa.io — EU KIDS Act: Solo Social Accounts From 15, Chatbots Covered
   7. www.pocketgamer.biz — A pocket guide to the EU Kids Act: What games companies need to know | PocketGamer.biz
   8. www.archyde.com — Ex-Google Safety Chief Warns AI Poses Severe Risks to Children – Archyde
   9. www.commonwealthlawyers.com — Gender-Based Violence Against Women and Girls in the Digital Age: Artificial Intelligence, Technology-Fac....
   10. www.tbsnews.net — China tightens AI rules as digital companions challenge human relationships
   11. jen.jiji.com — Alleged attack on Raf Fairford base, breakthrough in investigations: British-Iranian citizen arrested
   12. jen.jiji.com — SuperEnalotto, today's draw 1 October 2026: winning numbers
   confidence 90%
2. 41d ago

   European Commission proposes EU KIDS Act to restrict minor online access

   European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen introduced the Keeping Internet Digital Spaces Accountable and Trustworthy Act on 17 September 2026. The proposal seeks to protect minors by limiting social media access and requiring AI chatbots, video-sharing sites, and online games to be minor-proof. Under the rules, children under 13 are banned from holding social media accounts, while those aged 13 and 14 require parental supervision. Non-compliant companies risk fines of up to 6% of their global revenue.

   Why it matters

   The act addresses the wellbeing of children in digital environments. It targets specific platforms and AI tools to reduce risks associated with unregulated internet use for those under 15.

   What is confirmed

   • The European Commission published the proposal for the Keeping Internet Digital Spaces Accountable and Trustworthy Act on 17 September 2026.
   • Ursula von der Leyen proposed the EU KIDS Act.
   • The act aims to make AI chatbots, video-sharing sites, and online games minor-proof.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Companies failing to comply face fines reaching 6% of their global revenue.

   What to watch next

   • Industry response from social media and AI companies regarding compliance costs.
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. www.irishlegal.com — Bird & Bird: The EU KIDS Act, A new generation of rules for child online safety
   2. www.euronews.com — How is the EU improving kids’ safety online? Ask the Euronews AI chatbot
   confidence 90%
3. 43d ago

   EU proposes social media and chatbot restrictions for children under 15

   The European Commission is pursuing the EU KIDS Act to limit social media access for children under 15 to improve minor wellbeing. The proposal bans social media accounts for children under 13 and mandates parental supervision for those aged 13 and 14. The act also targets video games and AI companion chatbots. Companies failing to comply face fines reaching 6% of their global revenue.

   Why it matters

   The legislation aims to strengthen online safety and reduce the influence of AI and gaming on minors. It introduces a tiered age system for access and oversight across the European Union.

   What is confirmed

   • The EU KIDS Act prohibits children under 13 from holding social media accounts.
   • Children aged 13 and 14 require parental supervision for social media use.
   • Violators face potential fines of up to 6% of their global revenue.
   • The legislation targets AI companion chatbots and video games.

   What to watch next

   • EU legislative vote on the KIDS Act
   • Implementation timelines for social media platforms
   • Specific compliance requirements for AI chatbot developers
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. pajhwok.com — EU plans social media restrictions for under-15s
   2. techreviewafrica.com — EU proposes KIDS Act to restrict children’s access to social media
   confidence 90%
4. 44d ago

   EU proposes KIDS Act to ban social media for children under 13

   The European Commission presented the EU KIDS Act on September 17 to strengthen online safety for minors. The proposal prohibits children under 13 from holding social media accounts across the European Union. For those aged 13 and 14, the rules require parental supervision. The legislation also targets AI companion chatbots and video games to limit their influence on minors. Companies that violate these rules face potential fines of up to 6% of their global revenue.

   Why it matters

   Digital platforms and AI tools currently have varying age restrictions across EU member states. This legislation aims to create common age-based rules to protect children from harmful digital interactions.

   What is confirmed

   • The European Commission presented the EU KIDS Act on September 17.
   • The proposal would prevent children under 13 from having social media accounts across the European Union.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The EU Kids Act would ban AI companion chatbots such as Replika and Character.AI from hooking minors.
   • Violators of the AI chatbot restrictions face fines reaching 6% of global revenue.

   What to watch next

   • Finalization of specific restrictions for gaming sites and AI tools.
   • Official vote or adoption date for the KIDS Act by EU governing bodies.
   Sources used for this update (3)

   1. trak.in — Social Media Can Be Banned For Every Under 13 Kid In Entire Europe
   2. waagacusub.net — EU Moves Toward Landmark Social Media Ban for Children Under 13
   3. startupfortune.com — The EU Kids Act Would Ban Companion Chatbots From Hooking Minors
   confidence 80%
5. 45d ago

   EU Proposes KIDS Act to Limit Social Media and AI Access for Minors

   The European Commission has proposed the KIDS Act to restrict how children under 15 interact with digital platforms. The plan bans social media accounts for children under 13 and requires parental supervision for those aged 13 and 14. The legislation also targets AI chatbots and video games to increase online safety for minors. While the core age limits for social media are clear, the specific nature of the restrictions on gaming sites and AI tools remains under development.

   Why it matters

   The EU is seeking stricter age limits to protect minors from online risks. This move shifts regulatory focus toward mandatory age verification and parental oversight.

   What is confirmed

   • The European Commission proposed the KIDS Act to restrict social media access for children under 15.
   • Children under 13 are banned from holding social media accounts.
   • Children aged 13 and 14 require parental supervision to access social media.
   • The EU plans to restrict the use of AI chatbots for children.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The EU will impose new restrictions on gaming sites.
   • The EU has already approved the Kids Act.

   What to watch next

   • Final legislative vote on the KIDS Act
   • Specific regulatory requirements for AI chatbot age verification
   • Implementation timelines for social media platforms to remove under-13 accounts
   Sources used for this update (10)

   1. Financial Times — EU to restrict social media and chatbots for children under 15
   2. Gizmodo — The European Union Sets Limits on Teen Social Media Use. Video Games and AI Chatbots Might Be Next
   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. www.outlookindia.com — EU Proposes KIDS Act To Restrict Social Media Access For Under-15s
   8. www.yahoo.com — Europe to restrict youngsters' use of social media, AI chatbots
   9. latestnewsandupdates.com — The EU approves the Kids Act, what it is and how access to AI social networks and chatbots changes for under 13 and 15 year olds
   10. ugdiplomat.com — EU Tables Act to Bar Children Under 13 From Social Media
   confidence 90%