Austria Targets Early 2027 for Under-14 Social Media Ban

Austrian State Secretary for Digitization Alexander Pröll announced that a ban on social media usage for children under 14 is scheduled to come into force by early 2027. Speaking ahead of roundtable discussions with major tech platforms, Pröll outlined a tight legislative timetable, aiming for a draft law in June and parliamentary passage by autumn. While acknowledging the complexity of enforcement, the government is exploring technical solutions, specifically citing ID Austria as a potential tool for age verification, though this would require significant modifications to ensure anonymity and limit data collection to age only. Pröll emphasized a strategy of cooperation rather than confrontation with industry stakeholders. The initiative draws inspiration from Australia’s recent implementation of similar restrictions, although Austrian officials recognize the mixed results and circumvention tactics observed there, such as the use of VPNs and borrowed identities. Despite potential legal and technological hurdles, Pröll asserted that the current status quo is unsustainable, marking a decisive step toward stricter digital protection for minors in Austria.