The Austrian government will ban the use of social networks by minors under 14 years old starting with the school year 2026-2027, following the example of Australia and France.

Austria has announced its intention to introduce a law that will prohibit the use of social media for minors under the age of 14, starting with the 2026-2027 school year. This measure, inspired by examples from Australia and France, aims to protect the health of children and adolescents. The Secretary of State for Digitalization, Alexander Prull, mentioned that the government will collaborate with experts to analyze the technical implementation of this ban.

However, the liberals in the governing coalition oppose this measure and suggest the use of a digital identity system. In France, a similar project has been adopted in the first reading, and if approved, it will become the first regulation of this type in the European Union. Austrian Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler emphasized the importance of a solution at the European level but acknowledged the need for national regulations in its absence.