EU KIDS Act to restrict social media platforms’ access to children in the EU

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EU KIDS Act to restrict social media platforms’ access to children in the EU Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 09/17/2026 - 09:36

The European Commission has adopted the EU KIDS Act to enhance the online safety of children throughout the Union.

The proposal prohibits social media platforms from accessing children under the age of 13 and sets an EU-wide minimum age for minors to open an account of their own at the age of 15, thereby ensuring a gradual approach. The KIDS Act also reverses the burden of proof. Now, service providers will have to show that their services are age-appropriate and safe by design.

Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, said: “Today, our children are engaging with the most sophisticated technologies ever created. Technology that was never created with their wellbeing in mind. Our KIDS Act is reversing the burden of proof - it is for platforms to show they are safe by design. And we put parents back in the driving seat, giving them the tools to help their children navigate a safer online world.”

Read the full press release and factsheet.

Find further information:

• Kids Act - Proposal and supporting documents
• KIDS Act - questions and answers

Related topics​

Better Internet for Children Strengthening trust and security Online platforms and e-commerce

Related content​

• Policy and legislation
• 17 September 2026

Proposal for EU KIDS Act - 'EU Keeping Internet Digital Spaces Accountable and Trustworthy'
This proposal seeks to protect minors from risky digital services and AI systems, uphold the digital single market and maintain a coherent regulatory framework and enforcement structure for the protection of minors online.