European Union Proposes EU Kids Act to Restrict Social Media and AI Chatbot Access for Minors

The European Union proposed the EU Kids Act in September 2026, legislation that would restrict minors' access to social media platforms and AI chatbots across EU member states.

The proposal would require platforms to verify user ages and limit the types of content and interactions available to children and teenagers. Platforms that fail to comply could face significant fines under the EU's existing digital enforcement framework.

European lawmakers said the proposal responds to mounting evidence that social media use is linked to mental health problems in young people, including anxiety, depression, and disrupted sleep. Several EU member states have already moved to restrict smartphone use in schools, and the Kids Act would extend those protections to the digital platforms children use at home.

The AI chatbot provisions reflect concern about the growing use of conversational AI tools by minors. Lawmakers said some chatbots have been found to engage children in inappropriate conversations or provide harmful information without adequate safeguards.

The proposal is part of a broader push by European regulators to set global standards for digital safety. The EU has already enacted the Digital Services Act and the AI Act, which impose obligations on large platforms and AI developers operating in Europe.

Technology companies have pushed back against age verification requirements, arguing that effective verification is technically difficult and raises privacy concerns. Industry groups have called for alternative approaches, such as parental controls and content filtering.

The EU Kids Act will now go through the European Parliament and Council for debate and amendment before it can become law. The process typically takes one to two years.