Eurochild Backs Proposed EU Kids Act Regulations
The network of child-focused organizations calls for stronger safety-by-design requirements and a burden of proof on tech firms.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Internet
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Eurochild has issued a formal response supporting the European Commission’s proposed Kids Act, which aims to enhance digital safety for minors. The network is now advocating for stricter implementation, including a reversal of the burden of proof for service providers.
Why it matters
The proposal addresses growing concerns over children's online exposure by requiring tech companies to prove safety and age-appropriateness before launching services. This shift aims to move from reactive measures to proactive protections for younger users.
The Kids Act framework mandate encompasses social media, video-sharing platforms, online games, and AI chatbots. Technical requirements focus on default safety settings, age-differentiated access, and the mitigation of addictive mechanisms.
The players
Eurochild
This is a network of organizations across Europe that works to promote the rights and well-being of children through policy advocacy.
European Commission
This institution acts as the executive branch of the European Union and is responsible for proposing legislation that affects all member states.
The details
Under the proposal, providers would be required to conduct child-rights risk assessments and submit to independent reviews to maintain service access for minors. Eurochild suggests these measures will ensure companies are held accountable for the design of their digital environments.
Timeline
October 26, 2026: Eurochild published its formal response regarding the Kids Act.
The Tech Race
The proposed regulation aligns with a broader industry shift toward safety-by-design, replacing earlier models of self-regulation for online platforms. This initiative positions European standards at the forefront of the global debate regarding child protection in digital spaces.
If enacted, these regulations could significantly change how children interact with social media, online games, and AI chatbots by forcing platforms to adopt stricter default safety settings. Users may see more age-gated features and mandatory risk assessments built directly into their favorite apps.
The takeaway
The move by Eurochild underscores a transition toward holding developers legally accountable for the safety features embedded in their platforms. Policymakers and industry leaders are now balancing technological innovation with the urgent need for standardized child-protection measures.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in Internet safety standards.
More information
Review the full Eurochild report on Kids Act for a detailed breakdown of the proposed amendments.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Agence Europe.
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