The European Commission has imposed a 12-month pause on draft national laws that overlap with its proposed EU rules on children’s social media use. Austria is the first country affected, with its planned ban for under-14s now frozen as Brussels pursues a harmonized framework.
EU countries must notify the Commission of draft technical legislation before adopting it. Austria submitted its proposal on July 28; it would establish a minimum age of 14 for video-sharing platforms and require age verification. Austrian officials rejected the delay, arguing that Brussels should not obstruct national legislation without a completed European alternative. Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler said preparations would continue so the ban could begin once the pause expires.
Proposed in September, the EU Kids Act would prohibit under-13s from using most social media and restrict access for under-15s. The Commission wants to avoid platforms having to navigate 27 different national age limits. It also fears that governments with their own restrictions already in place could lose interest in the EU legislation.
Other national initiatives face different prospects. Greece’s recently passed under-15 ban is likely to remain because it was notified before the EU proposal. France, which also notified early, has been asked to revise its draft but is not expected to be blocked. Italy’s draft remains under review.
The European Parliament and EU governments must still reach agreement, and the Kids Act may not take effect until 2028. Denmark is nevertheless advancing its own legislation, with digital minister Christina Egelund emphasizing the urgency of the problems.
