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Post by : Badri Ariffin
Austria's government has revealed plans to legislate a ban on social media for individuals under 14, representing a significant measure to safeguard young users from online threats.
The initiative, announced on Friday, aims for draft legislation to be ready by the end of June, as stated by Alexander Pröll, a key official in Chancellor Christian Stocker’s office overseeing digital matters. The proposed law includes implementing sophisticated age-verification tools that prioritize user privacy.
Implementation dates remain unclear, as parliamentary approval is needed before the regulations can be enacted.
Austria's decision aligns with a rising global movement to restrict children's access to social media. Australia initiated a similar ban in 2024 for users under 16, motivated by concerns regarding harmful content and excessive screen exposure. Indonesia is also set to introduce similar restrictions this weekend.
Several European countries are following suit. France has enacted legislation to bar social media access for those under 15, effective with the upcoming school year. Additionally, Spain and Denmark are formulating or have instituted measures to protect younger audiences, while the UK is contemplating comparable actions.
Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler has characterized this initiative as a vital advancement, aiming to protect children from the adverse psychological and behavioral effects that can stem from excessive social media involvement.
“Today marks a positive turn for children in our nation,” Babler stated, stressing that the dangers of addiction and mental health issues linked to digital platforms will no longer be overlooked.
Alongside the proposed ban, the Austrian government is also aiming to enhance digital literacy in schools, aiming to educate students about responsible media consumption and raise awareness surrounding new technologies, including artificial intelligence.
This proposal underscores Austria's dedication to protecting its youth in an increasingly digital environment while balancing innovation with accountability.
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