Decision on social media ban for under-14s in Austria postponed

The planned social media ban for children under 14 in Austria has been postponed due to the European Commission extending the waiting period by one year, and it was reported that the regulation can enter into force at the earliest at the end of July 2027.

The European Commission has extended the waiting period regarding the draft prepared by the Austrian government by one year. It was stated that the reason for the decision was to prevent the implementation of different laws in member states and to establish common rules across Europe. With this development, it was indicated that the planned regulation could come into force at the earliest at the end of July 2027.

While the EU is preparing a common legal regulation under the EU Kids Act to protect children and young people from the negative effects of social media, the Austrian government also aims to introduce an age limit of 14 for the use of certain social media platforms.