EU Digital Minimum Age & Mandatory Age Assurance Initiative
EU Digital Minimum Age & Mandatory Age Assurance Initiative in European Union: pending, effective TBD (Commission proposal expected; Digital Fairness Act 2026). Applies to Social media, video-sharing platforms, and AI companions/chatbots accessible to minors in the EU. Age range: Under 13 (proposed
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | European Union |
|---|---|
| Category | International |
| Status | pending |
| Effective date | TBD (Commission proposal expected; Digital Fairness Act 2026) |
| Age range | Under 13 (proposed floor); 16 (Parliament recommendation) |
| Applies to | Social media, video-sharing platforms, and AI companions/chatbots accessible to minors in the EU |
Key requirements
- European Parliament resolution (November 26, 2025) calls for an EU-wide digital age of 16, with 13–16 access only with parental consent
- Commission expert panel (final report June 2026) recommends a harmonised EU-wide restriction for under-13s and mandatory age assurance
- EU age verification app and EU Digital Identity Wallet as privacy-preserving verification tools; Member States encouraged to deploy by December 31, 2026
- Digital Fairness Act to address addictive design, dark patterns, and loot boxes for minors
Notes
Commission President von der Leyen has backed an EU-wide age limit. In July 2026 the Commission called for mandated age assurance for social media. Member States are moving faster: France (struck down), Denmark, Spain, Greece, and others are legislating national limits.
Frequently asked
What does EU Digital Minimum Age & Mandatory Age Assurance Initiative require?
European Parliament resolution (November 26, 2025) calls for an EU-wide digital age of 16, with 13–16 access only with parental consent Commission expert panel (final report June 2026) recommends a harmonised EU-wide restriction for under-13s and mandatory age assurance EU age verification app and EU Digital Identity Wallet as privacy-preserving verification tools; Member States encouraged to deploy by December 31, 2026 Digital Fairness Act to address addictive design, dark patterns, and loot boxes for minors
Who must comply with EU Digital Minimum Age & Mandatory Age Assurance Initiative in European Union?
Social media, video-sharing platforms, and AI companions/chatbots accessible to minors in the EU
When does EU Digital Minimum Age & Mandatory Age Assurance Initiative take effect and what is its status?
Effective TBD (Commission proposal expected; Digital Fairness Act 2026). Current status: pending. Commission President von der Leyen has backed an EU-wide age limit. In July 2026 the Commission called for mandated age assurance for social media. Member States are moving faster: France (struck down), Denmark, Spain, Greece, and others are legislating national limits.
Related laws
| Law | Jurisdiction | Category | Status | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Media Minimum Age Law | Australia | International | active | December 10, 2025 |
| Online Safety Act — Age Verification Requirements | United Kingdom | International | active | July 25, 2025 |
| Online Safety Act — Child Safety Regime | United Kingdom | International | active | July 25, 2025 |
| Under-16 Social Media Ban (Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 regulations) | United Kingdom | International | pending | Spring 2027 (expected) |
| Digital Services Act — Guidelines on Protecting Minors | European Union | International | active | July 14, 2025 |
| GDPR — Children's Consent Requirements | European Union | International | active | May 25, 2018 |
| Under-15 Social Media Ban (2026 Law) | France | International | blocked | N/A (struck down August 14, 2026) |
| Organic Law for the Protection of Minors in Digital Environments | Spain | International | pending | TBD (parliamentary approval expected autumn 2026) |
Put it into practice
- Generate the policy: COPPA policy generator (generatepolicy.com)
- Buy the policy pack: Privacy Program Bundle (cyberpolicy.shop)
- Build it yourself: 2026 US Privacy Program Workbook (ciso.diy)