More than 160 statements have been submitted regarding a proposed draft law that would ban children under 14 from using social media. The legislation seeks to amend the Audiovisual Media Services Act and the KommAustria Act to regulate digital platforms.
The draft law aims to protect minors from harmful content and addictive network functions by holding platforms accountable. It proposes expanding the responsibilities of the Austrian Communications Authority, KommAustria, to oversee these new requirements.
Public concerns have emerged regarding data protection during age verification and the potential inclusion of messenger services. The consultation period for the draft remains open for further feedback from stakeholders until its expiry on September 21, 2026.