The proposal follows significant political pressure from EU leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, to prioritize the digital safety of minors.
The legislation aims to harmonize safety standards across the European market, moving beyond the current patchwork of national laws such as those recently pursued in France.
If adopted, the act would apply to a broad range of digital services, including social media platforms, video-sharing sites, online games, and AI chatbots.
By setting clear age limits and safety requirements, the Commission intends to create a more predictable regulatory environment for technology companies while addressing growing concerns regarding the impact of digital infrastructure on younger users.
The proposed enforcement mechanism mirrors the centralized approach of the Digital Services Act and the Artificial Intelligence Act, potentially granting the European Commission direct oversight of high-risk services.
Under this structure, companies would be required to pay supervisory fees to fund the regulatory process.
While educational tools are expected to be exempt, the act will include specific resources for parents and guardians.
The final text must still undergo negotiations with EU member states and lawmakers before becoming law.