EU Leaders Cite AI‑Driven Cyber Threats While Tightening Rules on Youth Social‑Media Use

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that the rapid evolution of generative artificial intelligence could enable hackers to launch attacks on a scale never seen before, prompting the bloc to accelerate its cybersecurity agenda alongside new measures aimed at shielding children from the pervasive influence of social platforms.

In a speech to EU officials, von der Leyen highlighted that AI tools capable of writing code, crafting phishing messages, and automating vulnerability scanning are increasingly accessible to malicious actors. She stressed that without coordinated policy action, these capabilities could translate into widespread disruptions of critical infrastructure, financial systems, and personal data repositories across member states.

Parallel to the cyber‑security push, the Commission is preparing legislation that would impose stricter obligations on social‑media companies regarding the design and promotion of content to minors. The proposal seeks to limit algorithmic amplification of addictive features, require clearer age‑verification mechanisms, and give parents more control over the digital environments their children encounter.

Policy experts note that the two initiatives intersect, as the same AI technologies that empower cyber‑criminals also drive the sophisticated recommendation engines that keep young users engaged. By addressing both fronts, the EU aims to create a regulatory framework that curtails the most harmful applications of AI while preserving its innovative potential for the wider economy.

Legislators are expected to debate the draft measures in the coming weeks, with a vote likely before the end of the year. If adopted, the rules would set a precedent for how democratic societies balance technological advancement against security and child‑protection concerns, and could influence similar efforts beyond Europe.