The European Commission is set to unveil new legislation on Thursday that would restrict children's access to social media and AI companions until age 15, introducing a tiered system of parental controls and safety requirements. The proposal, called the EU KIDS Act, represents one of Europe's most aggressive moves yet to shield young people from the mental health risks associated with platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and emerging AI chatbots.

What Exactly Does the EU KIDS Act Require?

The proposed legislation creates a structured approach to children's online access rather than an outright ban. For children under 13, parents can open fully controlled accounts that meet strict safety standards. Between ages 13 and 15, the system shifts to introductory accounts with built-in limits on contact with strangers and screen time, along with parental monitoring tools.

The rules apply to a broad range of digital services, including social media platforms, video-sharing services, online games, and AI chatbots or AI companions. Educational tools are explicitly excluded from the restrictions. The proposal also mandates that platforms implement age verification technology to confirm users' identities before granting access.

Enforcement will follow a model similar to Europe's existing Digital Services Act and Artificial Intelligence Act, with the European Commission overseeing the highest-risk companies while national regulators handle smaller firms. Companies will be required to pay supervisory fees to fund this oversight structure.

Why Is Europe Taking This Step Now?

The push comes after months of intense pressure from government leaders across Europe, including French President Emmanuel Macron, to prioritize child safety online. Austria, Denmark, France, Greece, and Spain are already moving forward with their own national laws restricting children's social media access, creating a patchwork of regulations that the EU KIDS Act aims to harmonize.

Health experts and parents have raised alarm about the documented effects of social media on young people's mental health, including increased anxiety, depression, and sleep disruption. A panel of health and tech experts convened by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented similar recommendations earlier this year, specifically flagging services like AI companions as emerging risks that require regulatory attention.

How Will Platforms Comply With These New Rules?

The proposal doesn't specify exactly how platforms will determine which services qualify as "high-risk" social media or video-sharing platforms, though the documents indicate this categorization will be central to the framework. Platforms will need to implement age verification systems, a technical challenge that has proven difficult in practice but is considered essential for enforcement.

• Account Types by Age: Children under 13 get parent-controlled accounts with strict safety standards; ages 13-15 receive introductory accounts with contact and screen time limits
• Covered Services: Social media, video-sharing platforms, online games, and AI chatbots are subject to the rules, while educational tools remain exempt
• Enforcement Model: The European Commission will oversee high-risk companies and services, with national regulators managing smaller firms and collecting supervisory fees
• Safety Requirements: All covered products must be designed with safety as a core feature, not an afterthought

The proposal will also include education measures aimed at children, parents, and guardians to help them navigate digital spaces more safely. However, the text remains subject to change before its formal presentation, and it will require negotiation with European governments and members of the European Parliament before becoming law.

What Does This Mean for Tech Companies Operating in Europe?

For social media platforms and AI companies, the EU KIDS Act represents another layer of compliance requirements on top of existing regulations like the Digital Services Act and the AI Act. Companies will need to invest in age verification infrastructure, redesign their products to meet safety-by-design standards, and implement parental control features tailored to different age groups.

The proposal signals that Europe intends to set global standards for how AI and digital platforms interact with minors. Unlike some other regions, Europe is not waiting for industry self-regulation; instead, it is establishing mandatory requirements backed by enforcement mechanisms and financial penalties. This approach reflects a broader European philosophy that strong regulation can coexist with innovation, as demonstrated by the success of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in reshaping global privacy practices.

European Commission President von der Leyen is expected to present additional details during her State of the European Union speech to parliament members in Strasbourg, signaling the political priority attached to this initiative.

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