Poland plans social media ban for under-15s, with platforms to verify age, minister says

Poland is drafting legislation to ban children under 15 from using social media, Education Minister Barbara Nowacka said, placing responsibility for age checks on online platforms and imposing financial penalties for non-compliance.

Polish Education Minister Barbara Nowacka.PAP/Paweł Supernak

Nowacka told Bloomberg News the government wants platforms to ensure effective verification of users’ ages. A draft outline of the bill is to be presented on Friday by Civic Platform, she said.

The planned rules would include financial fines for services that fail to block access for younger users. Nowacka said the amount of any penalties is still under discussion.

The regulations could take effect at the start of 2027, Nowacka said.

“We see problems with the mental health of children and adolescents, we see a decline in their intellectual abilities,” she said, pointing to growing concern about social media’s impact on young people.

Other European countries are also examining similar measures, including Denmark, Greece, France, Spain and Britain, according to the report, which noted the British government has previously said it is considering restrictions to better protect children online after Australia adopted comparable rules in December.

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Source: Polish Radio

Radio Poland