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EU to propose KIDS Act on social media safety
The gist
The European Commission will propose an EU KIDS Act on Thursday to set a minimum age for social media across the bloc.
The plan would replace a patchwork of national laws.
How it unfolded
- Sep 9, 2026France's top court last month struck down the government's proposed social media ban on under-15s on freedom of expression grounds. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen is set to outline how the 27-nation bloc plans to limit children's use of social media during a speech to the European Parliament next week.
- Sep 11, 2026Ireland, current holder of the rotating Council presidency, said it will prioritise negotiations on EU-wide rules to curb youngsters' access to social media. The Hague and Madrid pushed for an EU-wide minimum age for social media use, potentially extended to other online services.
- Sep 14, 2026Commission spokesperson Olof Gil confirmed the act is coming on Thursday at a Monday press conference. The European Commission will propose an EU KIDS Act on Thursday to set a minimum age for accessing social media throughout the bloc, with the EU looking to restrict social media and chatbots for kids under 15.