On Thursday 17 September 2026, the European Commission proposed strengthening the protection of children on the Internet with the « EU KIDS Act ». Among other things, the text provides for the prohibition of access to social networks for children under the age of 13, while adolescents between the ages of 13 and 15 could use limited accounts under parental supervision. The measure still needs to be examined by the European Parliament and the 27 Member States.
The project also includes age checks when creating accounts, as well as restrictions on certain features, which may encourage excessive use. For 15-18 year-olds, platforms should limit infinity scrolling and nocturnal notifications. Services incorporating artificial intelligence companions or chatbots intended for minors would also be subject to specific protections.
With this initiative, Brussels intends to increase the responsibility of platforms in protecting young users. The proposal must now follow the European Union (EU) legislative procedure before it can become a rule applicable in the Member States.
