EU Kids Act Would Restrict Social Media and AI Chatbots for Under-15s, Affecting Games

The European Commission has proposed the EU Kids Act, a regulatory framework aimed at protecting children from harmful online experiences. The proposal, announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in her State of the Union address, would fundamentally reshape how young Europeans access social media, AI chatbots, and online gaming services.

Under the proposed rules, children under 13 would be prohibited from accessing social media platforms entirely. Those aged 13 to 15 would qualify for limited "mini accounts" with restricted features and time constraints, requiring full parental supervision. Only users over 15 would be permitted autonomous accounts on standard platforms. Von der Leyen stated that "today, our children are engaging with some of the most sophisticated technology ever created. And it was not created with children's wellbeing and development in mind. Platforms are designed to capture attention."

The act addresses what the Commission views as deliberately addictive design. "We do not have to accept addictive features. We do not have to accept children being drawn into ever more extreme content," von der Leyen said. The proposal cites data showing young Europeans spend between 4 to 6 hours daily on screens and notes that 92% of Europeans support stronger protections for children online.

Online video games would be significantly impacted. App stores would be required to age-rate every app and game using a published methodology. Games would also face restrictions on data collection. By default, minors' profiles would be private, with microphones, cameras, and geolocation data disabled. This creates uncertainty for location-based games like Pokémon Go, though young users may be able to opt back in to share geolocation data.

AI companions face explicit restrictions under the act. Chatbots would be prohibited from simulating interpersonal relationships with young users in ways that could create emotional dependency. Video-sharing platforms and AI services offering similar features would also fall under the new regulations.

To enforce age restrictions, online services and app stores would be required to implement age assurance tools, such as the EU age verification app. For existing accounts, "reasonable proxies" including account creation dates or credit card details would be acceptable alternatives.

Von der Leyen emphasized the documented harms of early social media exposure, citing concerns including sleep deprivation, depression, anxiety, self-harm, and suicide. She framed the regulations as necessary to preserve childhood development and cognitive skills.

The proposal has drawn criticism from the gaming industry. Epic Games founder and CEO Tim Sweeney disagreed with the restrictions, comparing apps and games to "the paintbrushes and tree forts of yesterday" and arguing the ban would restrict young digital creators' ability to express their vision.

The rules remain subject to change as the EU moves toward formal announcement and implementation of the final policy.