Austria: towards a ban on social media for under 14s
Austria: towards a ban on social media for under 14s

The Austrian government has announced its intention to ban children under 14 from accessing social media, as part of a draft law currently being prepared. This measure, resulting from an agreement within the ruling coalition, aims to strengthen the protection of minors against the risks associated with digital platforms.

According to authorities, a minimum legal age will be established for using these services, with legislation expected within the next few months. The aim is to limit the exposure of young people to content deemed harmful and the potentially addictive effects of social media.

A European trend towards better regulation of minors' access

This initiative is part of a broader movement observed in Europe and internationally, where several countries are considering tightening the conditions for minors' access to digital platforms. Austria thus intends to anticipate regulation at the European Union level.

The project, however, raises questions, particularly regarding age verification methods and privacy protections. Authorities will need to define technical solutions to effectively enforce this ban, which could be implemented as early as 2026.

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