European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has highlighted the growing risks associated with artificial intelligence and social media, calling for stronger safeguards as Europe works to address emerging cybersecurity threats and protect children online.
Speaking during her State of the European Union address on September 16, 2026, von der Leyen said AI could deliver significant benefits across society but warned that increasingly capable systems could also create serious security challenges.
AI Could Transform Cybersecurity Threats
Von der Leyen said future AI models could enable cyberattacks on a scale previously considered difficult to achieve. She also pointed to concerns surrounding systems capable of improving or operating with greater levels of autonomy.
The European Commission is relying in part on the EU AI Act to establish safeguards around the technology. Von der Leyen said Europe intends to work with international partners, including Canada and the United Kingdom, as governments develop approaches to managing AI-related risks.
At the same time, she stressed that regulating AI should not prevent its practical use. She argued that much of the technology’s future economic value will come from applying AI outside traditional digital environments, including manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, energy infrastructure, autonomous transportation and defense.
Healthcare was one example highlighted in her speech. AI-assisted mammography, she said, could help identify some cancers earlier, while doctors would remain responsible for making medical decisions.
Europe Targets Social Media Risks for Children
Von der Leyen also focused heavily on children’s use of social media, raising concerns about excessive screen time, addictive platform features and exposure to harmful online content.
She said young Europeans can spend several hours each day looking at screens and argued that platforms designed to maximize engagement can affect children’s attention, sleep and wellbeing.
Her speech outlined a proposed European “Kids Act” based on different protections for different age groups. Under the approach she described, children under 13 would not have access to social media, while those aged 13 to under 15 would use limited accounts supervised by parents or guardians.
The proposal would also introduce additional restrictions for teenagers and require platforms to adopt safer design practices.
Greater Accountability for Technology Platforms
Von der Leyen said technology companies should bear greater responsibility for demonstrating that their services are safe for minors. The proposed approach would shift more responsibility toward platforms to establish that their products meet safety expectations.
She also raised concerns about AI-generated sexualized images involving minors and the potential impact of addictive platform design on users more broadly.
Beyond protections aimed specifically at children, the European Commission plans to propose a broader Digital Fairness Act. The initiative is intended to address digital practices that may negatively affect consumers.
AI Regulation and Digital Protection in Focus
The proposals reflect Europe’s wider effort to establish rules for rapidly developing technologies while allowing businesses and public institutions to benefit from AI.
The EU’s approach combines AI regulation, cybersecurity measures and proposed protections for children and consumers on digital platforms. The details of the proposed measures, including their eventual implementation and enforcement, will depend on the legislative process and negotiations with EU institutions and member states.
As AI capabilities continue to develop and social media remains deeply integrated into everyday life, policymakers across Europe face the challenge of balancing technological innovation with cybersecurity, consumer protection and children’s online safety.
