EU Kids Act Regulatory Push for Age Verification and Social Media Restrictions
The European Commission proposes new regulations requiring stricter age verification for online games and social media platforms, targeting children under 13 and 15.
July 2026
Ursula von der Leyen supports gradual children's social media access
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen indicated in July that she supported giving children gradual access to social media. She also supported ensuring platforms had safety features on by default.
Source ↗August 2026
Meta Platforms agrees to pay $18 billion for child safety measures
Social media company Meta Platforms agreed to pay up to $18 billion. The settlement was reached to resolve a trial regarding teen social media addiction and claims filed by nearly every state.
Source ↗September 2026
Ursula von der Leyen proposes banning social media for children under 13
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed banning children under 13 from accessing social media, online games, and chatbots. This proposal was announced during her annual State of the European Union speech in Strasbourg.
Source ↗EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen to reveal age limit proposal
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to reveal a proposed age limit for minors accessing social media platforms. This action is part of the regulatory push under the EU Kids Act.
Source ↗European Commission proposes EU Kids Act for age verification
The European Commission has put forward the proposed EU Kids Act. This legislation suggests that online games may be required to implement stricter age verification processes. The rules also target the management of accounts belonging to individuals under the age of 15.
Source ↗Ursula Leyen delivers State of the European Union speech
Ursula Leyen delivered the State of the European Union speech. The address included discussion of the EU Kids Act.
Source ↗Ursula Leyen addresses EU on EU Kids Act during State of the Union speech
Ursula Leyen delivered a State of the European Union speech that included discussion of the EU Kids Act. The act covers video-sharing platforms, AI chatbots, and online games.
Source ↗EU Kids Act mandates age verification for online providers
The EU Kids Act obligates providers to perform age verification upon account creation. This requirement extends to software app stores and operating systems.
Source ↗EU Digital Identity Wallet designated for age verification tool
The EU Kids Act specifies that age verification must rely on 'the age verification tool,' which is identified as the EU Digital Identity Wallet.
Source ↗EU to vote on social media ban proposal
The European Union's 27 member nations will vote on the proposal put forward by the European Commission. This action could lead to tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Source ↗EU Kids Act mandates age verification across digital platforms
The EU Kids Act was introduced, requiring age verification for services including video-sharing platforms, AI chatbots, and online games.
Source ↗EU Kids Act targets software, operating systems, and tech fines
The EU Kids Act extends its regulatory reach to software app stores and operating systems. The legislation also includes provisions allowing fines against tech companies.
Source ↗European Commission Proposes Ban on Under-13s from Social Media
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a sweeping plan to protect children online. The proposal includes banning under-13s from social media and requiring online services to design safe children's accounts.
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