EU Leaders Sound Alarm on AI-Powered Hacking and Social Media’s Devastating Impact on Youth
In a stark warning, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has sounded the alarm on the dangers of AI-powered hacking and social media’s insidious influence on young people. Speaking at the State of the European Union 2026 address, von der Leyen highlighted the need for urgent action to mitigate these threats before they become catastrophic.
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in cyber attacks has reached new heights, warned von der Leyen. “Models being developed will allow hacking on a level we never thought possible,” she said, referencing the Hugging Face incident as an example. This is particularly concerning, as AI-powered hacking can compromise even the most robust security systems, putting sensitive data at risk.
Von der Leyen emphasized that while AI has the potential to bring about immense benefits, it must be harnessed responsibly. “The key is creating value from AI,” she explained, pointing to examples like AI-supported mammography, which can detect cancers earlier and more accurately. However, she stressed that AI should assist healthcare professionals, not replace them with robots.
The EU’s proposed AI Act aims to establish guardrails for the development and use of AI, ensuring that these technologies are harnessed for the greater good. Von der Leyen sees Europe playing a leading role in shaping global efforts to regulate AI, partnering with like-minded countries to tackle this challenge together.
Meanwhile, von der Leyen’s address also highlighted the devastating impact of social media on young people. With children spending up to six hours a day on screens, they are being “captured” by algorithms designed to keep them engaged. This, she warned, is eroding childhood and exposing kids to significant risks, including loss of sleep, anxiety, self-harm, and even fatal tragedies.
The recent case of Olea Orban, a 14-year-old girl who took her own life after suffering social media cyberbullying, was cited by von der Leyen as a tragic example of the need for urgent action. “Enough is enough,” she declared, pledging that Europe will take concrete steps to address this crisis through a new Kids Act.
The European Commission’s proposals aim to protect children from the perils of social media and ensure they can enjoy a healthy childhood. While the challenges are complex, von der Leyen’s warning serves as a stark reminder of the need for collective action to safeguard our youth and harness AI responsibly.
As individuals, we can play a crucial role in mitigating these risks by being mindful of our own online behavior and that of our children. Parents and guardians should prioritize regular screen-free time, engage in open conversations with their kids about social media, and be aware of the potential dangers lurking online. By working together, we can create a safer digital landscape for all.
Source: SecurityWeek — 2026-09-16