Portugal Moves Toward Banning Social Media for Under-13s
Parliamentary lawmakers greenlit the measure during its first general debate after the center-right coalition government secured backing from Socialist allies, pushing the proposal into committee review where detailed amendments will be drafted ahead of a conclusive vote.
Supporters characterized the legislation as essential child welfare policy designed to mitigate documented dangers associated with unrestricted youth engagement on digital platforms—including cyberbullying, depression, compulsive usage patterns, and broader psychological harm.
The regulatory framework would target networks like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, while exempting messaging applications such as WhatsApp.
Technology companies would face obligations to implement robust age authentication systems compliant with EU standards and establish safeguards blocking minors from encountering violent imagery, premature sexual content, habit-forming games, and digitally altered media—restrictions applying even to 13-16-year-olds granted parental permission.
Socialist legislators advocate extending the complete prohibition to encompass all users under 16. Portugal's existing digital consent threshold stands at 13.
Far-Right Backlash Erupts
The far-right Chega party mounted fierce resistance, joining the smaller right-wing Liberal Initiative in opposing the bill.
Chega leader Andre Ventura condemned the proposal as "digital Stalinism" and charged establishment parties with attempting to reclaim dominance over online public discourse.
"This is not about freedom, it's about controlling minds and the future," Ventura declared, attacking provisions empowering a government administrative agency to impose nationwide platform suspensions.
Chega representatives also challenged provisions requiring platforms to eliminate misinformation, warning of censorship risks. "But who decides what is false?" demanded Chega lawmaker Rita Matias, among the party's most visible social media voices.
Socialist legislator Sofia Pereira fired back, branding Chega "the party that promotes hate and fake news."
The Liberal Initiative contended the measure erodes privacy rights while establishing expansive monitoring infrastructure.
The legislation mirrors international trends. Australia enacted under-16 social media restrictions last year, while France, Spain, Denmark, and Italy are pursuing or deploying comparable regulatory models.
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