The EU KIDS Act Needs Enforcement, Not Just New Rules

Provided by HateAid (September 16, 2026)

HateAid welcomes the Commission's proposal to protect children online, but warns that existing duties under the Digital Services Act are still not being enforced.

In September 2026, the European Commission proposed the EU KIDS Act, which would introduce age-appropriate access, age verification, and safety-by-design requirements for social networks, video platforms, games, and AI chatbots. HateAid welcomes the plan, but points out that platforms have been required to protect minors under Article 28 of the Digital Services Act since February 2024, and that, according to HateAid, proceedings against major platforms have so far led to no fines or final decisions. It calls for consistent enforcement of the existing rules.