The European Commission has introduced the Keeping Internet Digital Spaces Accountable and Trustworthy (KIDS) Act, a proposed law aiming to protect children online by restricting their digital access across the European Union. The proposal, unveiled this week, sets differentiated rules for various age groups and mandates stronger protections on social media, video-sharing platforms, online games, and AI companions, pending approval through the EU legislative process, according to medianama.com.
The KIDS Act requires platforms to implement age-assurance systems and provide guardians with enhanced control over younger children’s access. It targets social networking services with features like recommendations and public sharing, video-sharing platforms including livestreaming, and online gaming providers addressing addictive design and privacy. AI companions designed for personal interaction will also be subject to the new rules. These measures would complement existing EU laws on digital services, artificial intelligence, and data protection.
This legislation follows growing concerns about children’s exposure to harmful content and addictive digital environments. By applying tailored restrictions rather than a blanket ban, the KIDS Act aims to balance protection with access. It aligns with broader EU efforts to regulate digital spaces, similar to the Digital Services Act and AI Act, reflecting a comprehensive approach to online safety and privacy for minors. The inclusion of AI companions marks a novel regulatory focus on emerging interactive technologies.
The KIDS Act is currently under consideration in the EU’s legislative bodies, with the next steps involving detailed scrutiny and amendments before potential enactment. The European Commission has made the full text of the proposal publicly available for review, marking a significant move toward harmonizing child protection standards across member states.