Ursula von der Leyen used her 2026 State of the European Union speech to warn that AI brings massive risks, including advanced hacking and self-improving systems, while arguing Europe should harness AI through the AI Act and human oversight. She also pushed a tougher stance on social media harms to children, backing a new Kids Act, age-based access limits, and stronger platform accountability. #UrsulavonderLeyen #AIAct #KidsAct
Keypoints
- Von der Leyen warned that AI could enable hacking at an unprecedented level.
- She said the AI Act is essential for setting guardrails and shaping global standards.
- AI should empower doctors and industry, not replace humans in critical roles.
- She argued social media is harming children’s attention, sleep, and mental health.
- The European Commission is proposing a Kids Act with age-based limits and safer platform design.
Read More: https://www.securityweek.com/eu-chief-warns-of-ai-powered-hacking-moves-to-rein-in-social-media/