Austria plans social media ban for children under 14

Austria’s three-party coalition government has agreed to ban the use of social networking sites for children under 14. The measure is intended to address growing concerns about addictive algorithms and harmful content, including sexualised violence, according to politicians.

Vice-chancellor Andreas Babler said the state no longer wanted to passively observe the negative impact of platforms on young people, while also pointing to the health implications of excessive use.

However, it is not yet clear when the law might come into force or how it will be enforced.

The government does not plan to draw up a specific list of banned platforms, instead proposing to assess them according to the addictiveness of their algorithms and the type of content they host. Draft legislation is due by the end of June.

Austria’s move follows a broader trend in other countries. Australia has already introduced a similar ban for children under 16, while France has approved measures setting the age limit at 15.

(reuters, pir)