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EU Prepares Child Access Rules for Social Media and AI Companions

September 14, 2026 at 12:31 EDT

Policy & Regulation
AI Agents

The European Commission is preparing a new child-safety proposal that could set EU-level age limits for social media and extend scrutiny to AI companions, video games and other risky digital services. The move follows pressure from member states seeking harmonized rules before national bans splinter the bloc’s digital market.

September 2026 · European Union

Child access limits move toward AI companions

Brussels is preparing rules for minors' access to social media, with AI companions, video games and video platforms drawn into the same child-safety debate.

Panel baseline

Under 13

Restrict access until services prove they are safe by design.

Stricter pushes

15-16

Several member states and lawmakers favor higher age thresholds.

Public priority

92%

Europeans who see stronger online protection for young people as an EU priority.

Age thresholds under debate

Panel baseline

Some national plans

Parliament call

Each stacked segment represents one year of age, showing how the proposed baselines compare.

Why supporters want EU rules

A single framework could reduce national fragmentation and put safety obligations on providers, not only on parents.

What critics question

Age bans can be bypassed and may shift young users toward less regulated spaces if design risks remain.

The scope is expanding

Social platforms → video-sharing → video games → AI companions

The central test is whether services can prove they are safe by design.

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