The European Union's proposed EU Kids Act has drawn sharp criticism from the consumer advocacy group Stop Killing Games, with its creator Ross Scott labeling the legislation "the most draconian proposal I’ve ever seen regarding video games and consumers." The act, officially proposed on September 17, 2026, aims to protect minors from risky digital services and AI systems while upholding the digital single market.
However, Scott argues in a recent video that the stated goals of protecting children and curbing AI serve as a "cover" for broader implications that could fundamentally alter the video game industry. Concerns include potential requirements for personal identification to play online games and the outright illegality of private game servers. While Scott's initial comments were based on a leaked version, the details align with the official proposal published by the European Commission.
The EU Kids Act is a lengthy document, but a key section, Chapter III, titled "Safety By Design," addresses requirements for online games. A significant point of contention is the act's definition of a "video game" as an "information society service." The EU GDPR defines this as any service normally provided for remuneration, at a distance, by electronic means, and at the individual request of a recipient. This broad definition, critics fear, could be applied to any digitally purchased game, regardless of online functionality, potentially necessitating age verification for all titles acquired through digital storefronts.
This raises particular alarm given the industry's shift towards digital distribution. With platforms like Steam operating exclusively digitally and PlayStation reportedly ending disc production for new games by 2028, the implications for accessing and playing games could be substantial.
Stop Killing Games emphasizes that the EU Kids Act is still in its early legislative stages and is subject to review and amendment by the European Parliament and EU Council. The group urges the public to spread awareness about the proposal, believing that widespread understanding of its potential impact could prevent its passage in its current form. The advocacy group stated on social media that "This is the biggest threat to Stop Killing Games yet! The EU #KidsAct could end #StopKillingGames by collapsing the EU gaming market and making private and community servers illegal!"