Eurochild's reaction to the EU KIDS Act
A necessary step to put children’s rights at the heart of digital policy.
Eurochild welcomes the proposed EU KIDS Act as a necessary step toward a safer digital environment that upholds the rights of all children. Its differentiated approach recognises that children’s needs, capacities and vulnerabilities evolve throughout childhood and adolescence, although its age thresholds and safeguards require further strengthening.
We particularly welcome the recognition that all children under 18 have the right to protection and age-appropriate safeguards, alongside broad coverage encompassing social networking services, video sharing platforms, online games, AI companions, conversational chatbots and app stores.
The proposal translates safety by design into concrete obligations. We welcome safeguards against addictive design, high privacy and security settings by default, and restrictions on unsolicited contact. We also welcome protections against harmful commercial practices, safeguards addressing AI-related emotional dependency, and accessible tools supporting children’s agency.
To realise this ambition, the proposal should be strengthened in four areas:
- Establish a coherent framework and reverse the burden of proof.
- Ensure safeguards regardless of guardian availability.
- Close gaps for AI and online games.
- Ensure inclusive implementation and meaningful participation.
