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The EU Kids Act: what it could mean for YOUR privacy online

The European Commission has proposed the EU Kids Act, a new law meant to protect children online. The goal sounds good, but the way it works deserves a closer look, because it could change how everyone uses the internet, not just kids.

What's in the proposal?

• No social media under 13, parent-managed "mini accounts" for 13 and 14 year olds, and your own account only from 15.
• The rules cover social media, video-sharing platforms, online games, AI companions and chatbots.
• Platforms and app stores would have to verify users' ages, with social media and video platforms checking age whenever a new account is created.

Why this matters for privacy

• Age checks don't only apply to kids. To know who is under 15, platforms have to check everyone. That means adults could be asked to prove their age just to sign up for a normal app.
• Less anonymity online. Proving your age often means linking your identity to your online accounts in some way. Once that infrastructure exists, it's hard to undo.
• Data leaks happen. Any system handling ID or age data becomes a target. Even well-designed systems depend on every platform and provider implementing them correctly.
• Scope creep. Tools built for one purpose tend to get used for more over time. Today it's social media and games, tomorrow it could be much more.

What does the Commission say?

It says the age checks will be "privacy-preserving", pointing to the EU's age-verification app, which is designed not to store ID documents or biometric data. That's a step in the right direction, but the details of how platforms actually implement this, and what alternatives they're allowed to use, will matter a lot.

Is this final?

No. It's a proposal, and the European Parliament and EU member states still need to agree on it. That means there's still time to shape it.

Make your voice heard

The Commission is collecting public feedback until 26/11/2026 12:00. If you care about privacy online, now is the time to say so.

https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/better-regulation/have-your-say/initiatives/19418-Child-online-safety-keeping-digital-spaces-accountable-and-trustworthy-EU-Kids-Act-_en