Video Games Europe opposes blanket age verification rules in new EU KIDS Act

Video Games Europe has pushed back against sweeping restrictions in the EU KIDS Act, a new legislative proposal announced by the European Commission to protect children playing online games.

The act mandates age assurance tools in app stores and bans addictive design features like push notifications and streak mechanics. App stores would be required to age-rate every app, prevent children from accessing age-inappropriate content, and integrate an EU age verification system.

Video Games Europe welcomed the intent to protect children but cautioned against the scope. The trade body called for existing PEGI and USK age ratings to become the standard across Europe rather than implementing new verification measures for every game and player.

"Children's right to protection must be respected as well as children's right to play, access to culture and leisure," the statement said. "We caution against sweeping age assurance measures applicable to every game and player in Europe."

VGE argued that parents should bear primary responsibility for managing their children's gaming access, balancing industry safety obligations with family circumstances. The trade body emphasized that this approach respects principles of protection, privacy, and proportionality.

Video Games Europe has called for a public consultation process and committed to engaging constructively with the European Commission as the legislation develops.