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2026 in review

The 12 biggest policy and law changes for kids online in 2026

Lawmakers moved faster on kids online in 2026 than in any year before, but much of it is still bills, proposals and court fights. This list sorts what is in force now from what is pending, in short practical terms. In the U.S., the biggest changes came from states, courts and the updated children's privacy rule. Overseas, Australia's under-16 ban took effect and the UK and EU proposed their own. For each item we say what it means for your family today. None of this is legal advice.

We picked laws, rules and proposals that change what apps, toys and schools must do for kids, using official pages and legal coverage checked in October 2026. Checked 2026-10-24. Nobody paid to be here and nothing is an affiliate link.

  1. Updated COPPA rule fully in force

    Federal Trade Commission

    From April 22, apps and sites for under-13s must get separate parent consent before sharing kids' data for ads, limit how long they keep it, and run a written security program.

    Watch for: Only covers under-13s; teens get little federal privacy protection.

  2. House passes the KIDS Act

    U.S. House

    On June 29 the House voted 267-117 for a package folding in 14 bills, including KOSA and COPPA 2.0 ideas, but without KOSA's "duty of care." Not law yet.

    Watch for: Senate sponsors call the House version unacceptable.

  3. Senate committee advances KOSA and AI kids' bills

    Senate Commerce Committee

    On Aug. 5 the committee advanced KOSA plus the CHATBOT Act, Youth AI Privacy Act and Children's AI Toy Safety Act. All four head to the full Senate.

    Watch for: Committee votes are a step, not a law.

  4. California pauses AI chatbot toys

    California

    Signed Sept. 10, SB 867 bars making or selling toys with companion chatbots for kids under 16 in California, starting Jan. 1, 2027, while the state writes safety rules.

    Watch for: Expect industry lawsuits; other states may copy it.

  5. California's Adam's Law for companion chatbots

    California

    SB 1119, also signed Sept. 10, requires chatbot companies serving minors to run risk assessments and audits, have crisis protocols and give parents controls and alerts. It takes effect in 2027.

    Watch for: Builds on SB 243, the state's 2025 companion chatbot law.

  6. New York votes to pause chatbot toys

    New York Legislature

    In June lawmakers passed a five-year ban on making or selling chatbot toys while the state studies them, plus a separate bill limiting harmful companion chatbot features for kids.

    Watch for: Awaiting the governor's decision as of the latest reports; check status.

  7. Texas app store age checks take effect

    Texas

    Texas's App Store Accountability Act began in June after an appeals court lifted a block, and the Supreme Court declined to stop it in July. App stores must verify ages and get parent consent for minors.

    Watch for: Court fight continues; age checks mean sharing more personal data.

  8. More states ban phones in class

    Ballotpedia

    Kansas became the 33rd state with a K-12 phone ban in March. Rules range from bell-to-bell bans to classroom-only limits, so check your district's policy.

    Watch for: A large 2026 study found little effect on test scores.

  9. EU proposes a KIDS Act

    European Commission

    Proposed Sept. 17: no social media under 13, parent-managed accounts with time limits for 13-14, and AI companions off by default for minors, across social apps, games and chatbots.

    Watch for: Only a proposal; the EU Parliament and member states must agree.

  10. UK proposes an under-16 social media ban

    UK government

    Announced June 15 after a consultation. It would follow Australia's model, exclude messaging, school and music apps, and limit live streaming and stranger contact for under-16s.

    Watch for: Details depend on an Ofcom age-check study and new regulations.

  11. Australia's under-16 ban in force

    eSafety Commissioner

    Since Dec. 10, 2025, ten major platforms must keep under-16s off. They reported restricting 4.7 million accounts in the first weeks, and fines can reach A$49.5 million.

    Watch for: YouTube Kids and messaging apps are not covered.

  12. Federal order targets state AI laws, with a kids' carve-out

    White House

    A December 2025 executive order set up a task force to challenge state AI laws, but its legislative plan exempts state child safety rules. That is why state kids' AI laws kept passing in 2026.

    Watch for: Legal experts say the carve-out is vague.

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