The 'EU Kids Act' targets addictive apps to protect children online

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-23T07:34:13.237Z • Permanent link

Regulatory pressures from Brussels are tightening noose around social media giants, pushing them to rethink their approach to children's online safety. The European Commission's proposed 'EU Kids Act' targets addictive apps to protect minors from exploitation. EU Commissioner for the Internal Market, Thierry Breton, has been leading the charge, pushing for a single EU-wide rulebook to govern how children experience social media, video platforms, games, and AI chatbots. Breton's efforts are backed by data showing that children as young as six are spending up to 12 hours a day on screens, with many experiencing severe sleep deprivation, social isolation, and decreased attention spans.

Critics argue that social media companies have failed to take adequate responsibility for their platforms, allowing addiction and exploitation to thrive. Facebook, for example, has faced numerous lawsuits and regulatory probes over its handling of child data, including a $5 billion fine from the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in 2019. Meanwhile, other companies like Google and Amazon have been accused of failing to protect children's data on their platforms. The proposed 'EU Kids Act' aims to address these concerns by introducing stricter age verification measures, regular audits, and more transparent data protection policies.

Industry insiders warn that the 'EU Kids Act' could have far-reaching consequences for the tech sector, particularly in the short term. Many companies are still grappling with the aftermath of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the ongoing challenges posed by data privacy regulations. The 'EU Kids Act' could add another layer of complexity to an already fraught regulatory landscape, potentially stifling innovation and growth. However, proponents of the bill argue that the benefits far outweigh the costs, citing the need to protect vulnerable children from exploitation and ensure a safer online environment.

The 'EU Kids Act' is likely to have a significant impact on the research community, with many experts calling for more studies on the effects of screen time on children's mental health. The proposed regulations could also affect the way companies approach data protection, with many firms already investing heavily in compliance programs. Research institutions and policymakers will need to adapt to the changing regulatory landscape, ensuring that their approaches remain aligned with the new rules. Furthermore, the 'EU Kids Act' could also influence the broader policy environment, with implications for the development of AI and data-driven technologies.

The tech sector will also be watching the 'EU Kids Act' closely, as it has the potential to reshape the way companies approach children's online safety. Many firms are already taking steps to improve their platforms, including implementing stricter age verification measures and providing more parental controls. However, the 'EU Kids Act' could also create new challenges, particularly for smaller companies and startups that may struggle to meet the new regulatory requirements. Policymakers will need to strike a balance between protecting children's online safety and promoting innovation and growth.

The 'EU Kids Act' is part of a broader pattern of regulatory pressure on the tech sector, driven by concerns over data protection, online safety, and competition. The European Union has been at the forefront of this effort, pushing for stricter regulations and greater transparency from tech companies. The GDPR, for example, has had a significant impact on the way companies approach data protection, with many firms investing heavily in compliance programs. Meanwhile, other regions, such as the US and China, are also grappling with their own regulatory challenges, including data protection and online safety concerns.