EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calls AI "the second tipping point of our times", alongside climate change, and says its risks must be "addressed"

Social media and AI chatbot services will require new age verification systems and design changes to comply with EU regulations.

The European Union plans to implement the "Kids Act" that will ban children under 13 from social media and AI chatbots without parental supervision, and require parental consent for users aged 13-15. This act, set for publication on Thursday, also mandates that social media companies, gaming platforms, and AI chatbot providers implement safeguards against addiction and harmful interactions. Companies offering AI companions and chatbots must design them to avoid fostering unhealthy emotional attachments or exposing minors to dangerous content. Additionally, age verification for users will be required, and non-compliance could result in fines up to 6% of a company's global annual revenue. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the AI "tipping point" and the need to address its risks, drawing parallels with climate change.

The EU's "Kids Act" signifies a strong regulatory stance on the proliferation of AI and social media among minors, positioning the bloc as a decisive force in setting digital standards. By imposing strict age restrictions and mandating safeguards against addictive design and emotional manipulation, the act directly impacts how technology companies must approach user engagement and product development for younger demographics. The threat of significant financial penalties underscores the seriousness with which the EU views the potential harms of unfettered digital access for children, pushing companies to prioritize safety and ethical design over aggressive growth.

This regulatory move by the EU is likely to set a precedent for other regions grappling with similar concerns about the impact of AI and online platforms on children. Companies operating globally will need to navigate these increasingly stringent requirements, potentially leading to a bifurcation of services or a broader adoption of stricter, child-focused design principles across the industry. The emphasis on avoiding emotional attachments to AI companions signals a new frontier in digital ethics, requiring developers to consider psychological impacts alongside functional features.