Austria plans social media ban for under-14s
The move follows similar steps in other European countries, including France and Spain.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"There must be clear rules in the digital world too."
— Andreas Babler , Politician
"People need to learn how to use it responsibly."
— Christoph Wiederkehr , Politician
"Today is a good day for children for children in our country."
— Andreas Babler , Politician
"In the future, we will protect children and young people with determination against the negative effects of social media platforms."
— Andreas Babler , Politician
Key People
State secretary for digitalisation in Austria from the conservative ÖVP.
Vice-Chancellor of Austria and a member of the Social Democrats.
Foreign Minister of Austria.
Chancellor of Austria.
Austrian Education Minister from the liberal Neos party.
Austrian political analyst commenting on the popularity of the social media ban.
Tags
All Coverage
The move follows similar steps in other European countries, including France and Spain.
Austria's governing coalition announced plans to ban social media use for children under 14, aligning with international trends in regulating youth access to digital platforms. Draft legislation is expected by the end of June, pending parliamentary approval.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
France's top court blocks social media ban for under-15s - Reuters
France's top court blocks social media ban for under-15s Reuters
August 14, 2026 at 04:58 PMFrance's top court blocks social media ban for under-15s
The Constitutional Council says it infringes upon freedom of expression - but President Macron vows to prepare a new draft.
August 14, 2026 at 04:35 PMMeta says it has taken down 756,000 Australian teen accounts as ban enforcement looms - reuters.com
Meta says it has taken down 756,000 Australian teen accounts as ban enforcement looms reuters.com
August 13, 2026 at 03:56 AMMeta, 29 states head to court in biggest test yet of youth social media litigation - Reuters
Meta, 29 states head to court in biggest test yet of youth social media litigation Reuters
August 12, 2026 at 10:43 AMMeta fined $567m in largest child safety ruling against social media giant
A New Mexico judge ordered the Instagram, Facebook and Whatsapp parent company to pay another $567m for the way it has harmed children.
August 7, 2026 at 12:54 AMHow the Meta trial could change social media for young people
The trial stems from a lawsuit filed in 2023 by 29 US states, in which they claim numerous violations of federal and state privacy laws for children.
August 18, 2026 at 04:24 PM