The Polish government is preparing a law that would prohibit access to social media for children under 15, making operators responsible for age verification.
The Polish government, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, is set to introduce legislation aimed at banning children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms. The proposal, announced by Education Minister Barbara Nowacka in an interview, mandates that companies would be held accountable for verifying the ages of their users. The ruling Civic Coalition plans to unveil further details today, with the possibility that the law could take effect early next year. This initiative comes amidst growing concerns over the mental health of young people and their cognitive abilities, as highlighted by Nowacka.
Internationally, other countries such as Denmark, Greece, France, Spain, and the UK are contemplating similar restrictions due to increasing evidence suggesting that social media can be harmful to children. In December of last year, Australia implemented a ban for minors under 16, and discussions regarding such measures are also taking place in the Czech Republic. This wave of legislative proposals indicates a significant shift in how governments perceive the impact of social media on younger audiences, potentially leading to comprehensive policies across Europe.
As countries grapple with the implications of social media usage, the proposed law in Poland could provoke a range of responses from industry stakeholders and advocates of children's rights. Though there are potential benefits in safeguarding mental health, critics may argue about the feasibility of enforcing age verification and the unintended consequences of limiting online interactions for children. Ultimately, this legislation could spark a broader dialogue about the balance between protecting children and preserving their freedom to engage with digital platforms.
