Austria evaluates draft laws on social media age limits and AI regulation

Austria is currently evaluating proposed draft laws concerning social media age limits. The Catholic Family Association of Austria welcomed the announced ban for children under 14 years old but called for raising the age limit to 16 years. The association also requested that the law cover messenger services and AI applications.

The proposed regulations address how platforms use business models aimed at intensive user engagement. The Catholic Family Association of Austria noted that placing responsibility solely on parents is insufficient when platforms target attention. This evaluation is part of broader European Union efforts to regulate social media.

The European Commission is planning measures for EU-wide social media age verification and regulation, which France is considering.