The European Commission has told EU countries to delay certain national social media bans for children by 12 months. The pause applies to draft laws that overlap with its planned EU-wide rules. It wants a common approach rather than separate national systems.
Austria is the first country affected. Its proposal would prevent children under 14 from using video-sharing platforms and require services to check users’ ages. The plan is now on hold, but Austria’s government has objected to the decision.
Austrian officials argue that the Commission should not block national action before it has a completed European solution. The government will continue preparing its law so that the ban can begin as soon as the pause ends.
The Commission proposed the EU Kids Act in September. It would ban under-13s from most social media and restrict access for under-15s. The aim is to avoid platforms having to follow 27 different national age limits.
However, the European Parliament and EU governments still need to agree on the legislation, which may not take effect until 2028. Denmark is continuing with its own law. Its digital minister says the problems require urgent action.
