EU: Virkkunen Remarks Highlight Urgency of KIDS Act

• Executive Vice-President Virkkunen delivered a European Commission speech in Strasbourg on September 17, 2026, focusing on the EU KIDS Act.
• Virkkunen emphasized the critical need to take control of children's future in the digital age.
• Extensive consultations with parents, teachers, national leaders, and children informed the legislative proposal, addressing concerns about "the ha...".
• The EU KIDS Act is positioned as a key legislative proposal within broader EU digital services children legislation.
• The initiative aims to bolster child online safety and EU child data protection.

The EU KIDS Act represents a significant step in the European Union's broader strategy for child online safety.

The European Commission is actively pursuing measures to safeguard the well-being of young people in the digital realm, with Executive Vice-President Virkkunen recently underscoring the urgency of this mission. Speaking in Strasbourg on September 17, 2026, Virkkunen delivered a pivotal address concerning the proposed EU KIDS Act, a legislative initiative designed to enhance protections for children across the European Union's digital landscape.

The remarks from Executive Vice-President Virkkunen highlighted the Commission's commitment to ensuring a secure online environment for the next generation. The speech served as a public affirmation of the ongoing efforts to develop robust EU digital services children legislation, emphasizing that the future of children is a collective responsibility requiring immediate and decisive action from policymakers and stakeholders alike.

During her address, Executive Vice-President Virkkunen articulated a clear imperative: the need to assert control over the future of children. This central message forms the bedrock of the EU KIDS Act legislative proposal, aiming to create a safer digital space for minors. Virkkunen's remarks indicated that this initiative is not developed in isolation, but rather through extensive dialogue with a diverse group of concerned parties.

She specifically noted that parents, educators, national leaders, and even children themselves have engaged in discussions with her regarding pressing issues. These consultations have consistently brought to light concerns about "the ha..." — a critical, albeit partially stated, area of apprehension that the proposed legislation seeks to address. The broad input underscores the widespread recognition of challenges faced by children online and the collective desire for effective solutions.

The EU KIDS Act represents a significant step in the European Union's broader strategy for child online safety. This legislative proposal is poised to introduce new standards and requirements, reinforcing the framework for EU child data protection and aiming to mitigate risks associated with digital platforms. The European Commission, through initiatives like the EU KIDS Act, seeks to establish a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to governing digital services where children are present.

Executive Vice-President Virkkunen's statements in Strasbourg reinforce the high priority placed on this legislative effort. The EU KIDS Act is not merely a regulatory update but a foundational piece of EU digital services children legislation, intended to empower parents, protect children, and hold digital service providers accountable. Its successful implementation is seen as crucial for shaping a safer and more controlled digital future for all children within the EU.

Source: Original reporting via European Commission speech