Austria has announced plans to ban social media for children aged under 14, becoming the latest country to consider introducing restrictions for children online. This decision follows lengthy negotiations within the conservative-led three-party coalition government, though the details of implementation are yet to be clarified.
Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler of the Social Democrats stated that the government could not stand by as social media contributed to addiction and ill health among children. He emphasized the responsibility of politicians in protecting young people by enforcing rules akin to those for regulated substances like alcohol and tobacco.
The proposed ban is expected to safeguard children under 14 from engaging with algorithms designed to be addictive and to ensure they are protected from harmful content. Austria joins a growing list of countries considering similar restrictions, including a recent ban for under-16s in Australia and an under-15s ban approved in France.
As Austria prepares to legislate this ban, Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr highlighted the need for young people to learn responsible social media use. Political analyst Thomas Hofer noted that the measure appears popular, especially among parents, amidst concerns over various socio-economic issues facing the national government.
Looking ahead, a draft bill outlining the technical aspects of age verification to access social media is set to be introduced by June, with potential implementation dependent on national or EU systems.
Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler of the Social Democrats stated that the government could not stand by as social media contributed to addiction and ill health among children. He emphasized the responsibility of politicians in protecting young people by enforcing rules akin to those for regulated substances like alcohol and tobacco.
The proposed ban is expected to safeguard children under 14 from engaging with algorithms designed to be addictive and to ensure they are protected from harmful content. Austria joins a growing list of countries considering similar restrictions, including a recent ban for under-16s in Australia and an under-15s ban approved in France.
As Austria prepares to legislate this ban, Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr highlighted the need for young people to learn responsible social media use. Political analyst Thomas Hofer noted that the measure appears popular, especially among parents, amidst concerns over various socio-economic issues facing the national government.
Looking ahead, a draft bill outlining the technical aspects of age verification to access social media is set to be introduced by June, with potential implementation dependent on national or EU systems.
