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 that it was the responsibility of politicians to protect children and argued that the issue should be treated no different from alcohol or tobacco: There must be clear rules in the digital world too.
In future, said Babler, children under 14 would be protected from algorithms that were addictive. 'Other information providers have clear rules to protect young people from harmful content,' he asserted, advocating for similar implementations in the digital realm.
Austria's proposal aligns with a growing trend among countries concerned about the potential dangers of social media for youth. Following a landmark case in the US, where a jury found social media giants liable for intentionally creating harmful addictive algorithms, governments are more engaged in digital safety discussions.
Australia was the first nation to introduce a ban for under-16s, with France and other European nations contemplating similar restrictions. In the UK, the government has launched a consultation on a potential ban for under-16s, as the debate regarding children’s exposure to digital platforms intensifies.
The Austrian government plans to introduce a draft bill by the end of June that will detail the implementation of this ban, including age-verification methods for accessing social media. However, opposition figures criticize the initiative as an infringement on young people’s freedom of expression. Yet, many believe the ban will hold considerable popularity, particularly among parents concerned for their children's safety.
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 that it was the responsibility of politicians to protect children and argued that the issue should be treated no different from alcohol or tobacco: There must be clear rules in the digital world too.
In future, said Babler, children under 14 would be protected from algorithms that were addictive. 'Other information providers have clear rules to protect young people from harmful content,' he asserted, advocating for similar implementations in the digital realm.
Austria's proposal aligns with a growing trend among countries concerned about the potential dangers of social media for youth. Following a landmark case in the US, where a jury found social media giants liable for intentionally creating harmful addictive algorithms, governments are more engaged in digital safety discussions.
Australia was the first nation to introduce a ban for under-16s, with France and other European nations contemplating similar restrictions. In the UK, the government has launched a consultation on a potential ban for under-16s, as the debate regarding children’s exposure to digital platforms intensifies.
The Austrian government plans to introduce a draft bill by the end of June that will detail the implementation of this ban, including age-verification methods for accessing social media. However, opposition figures criticize the initiative as an infringement on young people’s freedom of expression. Yet, many believe the ban will hold considerable popularity, particularly among parents concerned for their children's safety.
