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The Austrian government plans to ban children under 14 from using social media as part of a wider push to improve online child protection, with draft legislation due by the end of June.
The proposed law would cover platforms including TikTok, Instagram and SnapChat. It follows rising concern in Austria about algorithm‑driven feeds, cyberbullying, addictive design features and online radicalisation among young users.
Vice‑chancellor and media minister Andreas Babler said clearer rules are needed to curb the influence of large technology platforms. In a recent speech, he warned that children are routinely exposed to unrealistic beauty standards, misinformation and harmful content while platforms prioritise engagement metrics over user wellbeing.
Under the plans, the age restriction will be paired with stronger media literacy initiatives and clearer responsibilities for platforms. The policy package also includes education reforms. Education minister Christoph Wiederkehr said pupils will receive lessons on how to identify disinformation and understand the mental health impacts of digital consumption. Computing classes will incorporate AI, covering its societal impact and data protection issues.
Alongside the social media ban, the government intends to tighten enforcement of the country’s Digital Services Act, expand media literacy initiatives beyond schools, and support youth‑focused journalism projects.
Austria also plans to extend the use of age verification technology beyond the minimum European standard, potentially using zero‑knowledge proof methods to avoid collecting excessive personal data.
Other countries are moving in a similar direction. Last week, the UK government announced it is piloting social media bans, app time limits and digital curfews in the homes of 300 teenagers during a six‑week trial to assess potential measures to improve children’s online safety and wellbeing.
In November last year the Australian government approved legislation banning under‑16s from using social media. The law came into effect in December, blocking access to 4.7 million accounts belonging to children under 16.
