Shooting in Graz: Government Announces Initial Details on Planned Social Media Age Verification

Following the announcement in the government statement on Monday, State Secretary Alexander Pröll (ÖVP) provided details on Tuesday. They want to use a national solution to oblige platforms to comply with their age restrictions, he was quoted in the Ö1 "Midday Journal." Initial steps could be taken in the Council of Ministers on Wednesday.

Social Media Accounts Linked to ID Austria?

As a possible lever, Pröll mentioned the provision of the General Data Protection Regulation, which states that data of those under 14 years old may not be processed. During a press conference, Pröll also spoke positively about statements made by WU business informatics expert Sarah Spiekermann. In the "Salzburger Nachrichten," she described the EU-wide age limit of 15 years demanded by France as "appropriate and correct" and advocated for a "proper and strict registration for digital platforms."

Pröll considers the proposal to link social media accounts with ID Austria to be fundamentally sensible. "I think it's not a bad idea in principle, we can certainly examine that." However, the possibilities must be considered calmly and together with all stakeholders.

Greens Also for Tightening

The Greens reacted positively to the initiative. "It is gratifying that the governing parties are now also taking up our demand for an age limit for social media," said children's, youth, and family spokesperson Barbara Neßler in a statement: "In the real world, we protect our children: with age limits for alcohol, gambling, movies. But online, there is still a lawless space. What we would not tolerate in any schoolyard or school happens on TikTok and Instagram every day - without supervision, without age checks, without clear rules. This must end."

International Examples of Social Media Age Control

For example, Australia has enacted a corresponding law in a worldwide first: The new rules will require operators of online networks to introduce effective age checks. Systematic violations will result in heavy fines.

Australia will thus prohibit children and adolescents under 16 from accessing TikTok, Instagram & Co. In May of this year, New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon also presented a draft law requiring platforms like Instagram or TikTok to verify whether their users are at least 16 years old - otherwise, they face penalties.

Also at the EU level, the topic of age verification is gaining momentum, with France, for example, putting pressure. They also want to hold platform operators accountable.

France Wants Initiative at EU Level

In principle, social networks are open to everyone from a certain age. However, the respective terms of use must be considered. On most platforms, the minimum age is 13 years. Verifying this information is difficult - even in France, where it is currently legally required that those under 15 need the explicit consent of their parents to create a social media account. Therefore, France's President Emmanuel Macron is advocating for a legally mandated verification of a minimum age. Like Belgium, Spain, and Greece, France supports a corresponding initiative at the EU level.

Proponents of general age restrictions emphasize concerns about children's safety, including the risk of sexual victimization, exposure to harmful content, and impacts on mental health. Authorities worldwide are grappling with how to protect children on the internet from violent, disturbing, and manipulative content.

UNICEF: Age Restriction Alone Is Not Enough

Age restrictions can help, but are not enough on their own, UNICEF emphasizes. Comprehensive solutions are needed that protect children while also enhancing their opportunities in the digital space. "The main goal for introducing age restrictions must be clearly defined so that all measures remain necessary and proportionate," states a position paper published by UNICEF in May. It emphasizes that children and adolescents have a right to participate in decision-making.

Measure Not Uncontroversial

Age restrictions are not uncontroversial. Critics argue that bans oversimplify the complex impacts of social media on children. Others fear that age restrictions will push children into less regulated online spaces. UNICEF warns of unintended negative consequences, such as limiting children's opportunities to develop the digital skills and resilience needed for the digital age. And until the expected enactment of the law in December in Australia, the authorities there still have to clarify some fundamental questions - such as how the ban will be monitored.

(APA/Red.)

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