Austria has announced plans to ban social media for children aged under 14, becoming the latest country to consider introducing restrictions for children online. It follows lengthy negotiations within the conservative-led three-party coalition government, but it is not yet clear how or when the ban will be implemented. Announcing the plans, Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler of the Social Democrats said the government could not stand by and watch as social media made children addicted and also often ill. He stated, There must be clear rules in the digital world too, comparing the issue to regulations on alcohol or tobacco.
In the future, under-14 children would be protected from addictive algorithms, with measures to implement similar protective rules found in other information sectors. Austria's move comes amid concerns about potential harms associated with social media, a sentiment echoed by various governments worldwide.
In a landmark case in the US, a jury recently found that two social media companies had intentionally created harmful algorithms affecting young people's mental health. However, social media companies argue that users under 13 are not allowed to create accounts, pointing to versions of their platforms that include parental controls.
Countries like Australia have already implemented such restrictions, while France’s lower house recently approved a ban for under-15s. The UK government has initiated a consultation on potentially banning social media for those under 16, with several other European countries considering similar measures. Austrian Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr stressed the need for responsible social media use, while a draft bill outlining the ban's details is expected later this year.
Opposition voices have criticized the ban as a threat to freedom of expression, yet public opinion appears supportive, as the government seeks to address ongoing societal concerns through this measure.
In the future, under-14 children would be protected from addictive algorithms, with measures to implement similar protective rules found in other information sectors. Austria's move comes amid concerns about potential harms associated with social media, a sentiment echoed by various governments worldwide.
In a landmark case in the US, a jury recently found that two social media companies had intentionally created harmful algorithms affecting young people's mental health. However, social media companies argue that users under 13 are not allowed to create accounts, pointing to versions of their platforms that include parental controls.
Countries like Australia have already implemented such restrictions, while France’s lower house recently approved a ban for under-15s. The UK government has initiated a consultation on potentially banning social media for those under 16, with several other European countries considering similar measures. Austrian Education Minister Christoph Wiederkehr stressed the need for responsible social media use, while a draft bill outlining the ban's details is expected later this year.
Opposition voices have criticized the ban as a threat to freedom of expression, yet public opinion appears supportive, as the government seeks to address ongoing societal concerns through this measure.
