Dutch Cabinet supports EU Kids Act while raising privacy concerns

The Dutch Cabinet has expressed support for the European Commission’s EU Kids Act, a legislative proposal designed to protect children from online risks such as addictive algorithms, harmful content, and unwanted contact. The act aims to implement safety-by-design requirements for social media, video platforms, AI chatbots, and online games.

Despite supporting unified European rules to prevent a patchwork of different regulations, the Cabinet raised concerns regarding specific measures. Officials noted that the implementation of minimum age requirements and age verification processes must be carefully examined to ensure they do not infringe upon the privacy and fundamental rights of both children and adults. Additionally, there are concerns that tools like ‘mini-accounts’ may place excessive responsibility on parents, potentially increasing inequality and privacy risks.