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Minister O’Donovan welcomes proposal for the EU KIDS Act
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Patrick O’Donovan TD, Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport, has welcomed the publication by the European Commission of the legislative proposal for the EU KIDS (EU Keeping Internet Digital Spaces Accountable and Trustworthy) Act.
Speaking today, Minister O’Donovan said:
Since assuming office under this Government and throughout our preparations for, and now delivery of the Irish Presidency of the Council of EU, I have emphasised that strengthening online safety for children and young people is my key priority.
Under our policy programme for the Irish Presidency, we are focussed on making the online space safe and healthy for children. This includes advocating for a decision at EU level on the digital age of majority and introducing robust privacy-preserving age verification measures.
That is why I welcome the emphasis placed on this matter by the President of the European Commission and the proposal for the EU KIDS Act that includes measures on age-based restrictions, safety by design and age verification. My officials will now work with the Member States to progress the negotiations on the proposal.
The EU KIDS Act builds on the report of the Co-Chairs of the Special Panel on Child Safety Online and proposes tiered access to social media with strict restrictions on access for children under 13, and the provision for a ‘mini account’ for 13- and 14-year-olds set up by and under the control of parents/guardian, with limited age-appropriate features to access the service and a one-hour time limit per day. Under the proposals, children aged 15 and over can set up autonomous accounts that must be demonstrably safe by design and include age assurance.
The draft law envisages that social media and video sharing services, AI companions and chatbots, and online games that are available to users under 18 will be now required to be safe-by-design, with design features such as infinite scroll, addictive tricks, and push notifications during sleeping hours prohibited. The services will be required to provide plans demonstrating how they put these measures in place before they can have access to children.
Minister O’Donovan continued:
We are now at an inflection point in ensuring the safety of our children and young people while they are online. It is important that we seize this opportunity across the EU to make a real positive and long-lasting difference in the lives of our children and young people.
ENDS