The parliament of Portugal has approved a key bill for the first time that introduces restrictions and regulations on children’s use of social media.
According to the draft legislation, children aged between 13 and 16 will only be allowed access to social media platforms with explicit parental consent.
Access to social media, as well as video and image-sharing and online betting platforms, was already prohibited for children under the age of 13. The new bill seeks to further strengthen enforcement of these existing restrictions.
Parents will be required to use the government’s Digital Mobile Key (DMK) system to grant permission, while social media companies will be obligated to implement effective age verification mechanisms or risk facing fines.
The bill was approved with 148 votes in favor and 69 against, while 13 members did not participate in the voting. However, amendments may still be introduced before the legislation is finalized.
