Tim Cook meets EU chief Ursula von der Leyen as bloc pushes new child safety rules

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Published: 2026-09-22T20:46:18.101Z • Permanent link

Apple's CEO Tim Cook has met with Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, in a bid to discuss the European Union's plans for new child safety rules. This meeting comes as the EU pushes for stricter regulations on digital platforms, with a focus on protecting minors from online harm. According to sources, Cook's involvement in Apple's government relations remains intact, despite his recent stepping down as CEO. This development is seen as a significant step towards ensuring that Apple's interests are represented in the EU's discussions on child safety.

The meeting is believed to have taken place at the European Commission's headquarters in Brussels, where von der Leyen's team has been working on a comprehensive package of proposals aimed at curbing online child exploitation. Apple is one of several major tech companies that have been engaged in discussions with the EU on this issue, with Google, Facebook, and Amazon also participating. The company's involvement is seen as crucial, given its significant influence in shaping online content and user behavior.

Industry insiders say that Cook's meeting with von der Leyen is a significant development in the ongoing debate over child safety online. The EU's proposals have been met with skepticism by some, who argue that they will have unintended consequences for free speech and innovation. However, proponents of the regulations argue that they are necessary to protect vulnerable children from online harm.

The EU's plans for new child safety rules have significant implications for the global tech industry, particularly for companies with significant European operations. Apple, in particular, is seen as a key player in the debate, given its dominant position in the mobile and online services markets. The regulations could have far-reaching consequences for the company's business model, which relies heavily on user data and online interactions.

Research communities and policymakers are also closely watching the development of the EU's proposals, as they are seen as a model for future regulations on online safety. The World Wide Web Foundation, for example, has been advocating for stronger protections for children online, citing the need to prevent online exploitation and cyberbullying. The EU's proposals are seen as a significant step towards achieving these goals, and are likely to be closely scrutinized by researchers and policymakers.

The EU's plans for new child safety rules are part of a broader pattern of regulatory activity aimed at protecting vulnerable populations online. This includes initiatives to curb online harassment, hate speech, and misinformation, as well as efforts to promote online safety and digital literacy. The EU's approach is seen as more nuanced and context-specific than some of the more sweeping regulations proposed in other jurisdictions, and is likely to be closely studied by policymakers and researchers around the world.