The European Commission has opened a consultation on the proposed “EU Keeping Internet Digital Spaces Accountable and Trustworthy” (EU KIDS Act), a new legislative initiative aimed at improving children’s online safety. The proposal introduces a comprehensive set of rules aimed at making digital services safer for children across the European Union. The legislation combines age-assurance requirements, stricter safety-by-design obligations for online platforms, enhanced protections for minors using social media, gaming and AI services, and measures intended to limit exposure to harmful or addictive online features. Supporters argue that the proposal could help reduce risks such as grooming, cyberbullying and manipulative platform design, while also creating a more consistent regulatory framework across EU member states.
At the same time, the proposal raises concerns over the challenges of balancing child protection with privacy, competition and user experience. While the Commission emphasises privacy-preserving age-verification methods and data-minimisation requirements, critics warn that the expansion of age-assurance systems could reduce anonymity online and create new compliance burdens. Smaller technology companies may face higher implementation costs than larger platforms, potentially strengthening established market players. For adult users, the changes could bring both benefits, such as fewer manipulative design practices, and drawbacks, including additional verification steps and possible restrictions on certain features.
The consultation is open to citizens, educators, parents, and industry stakeholders, and is open for submissions until 3 December 2026. After this deadline, the feedback will be compiled into a report.
