Lisbon / Web Desk: Portugal’s parliament has passed a landmark bill aimed at restricting social media access for minors, marking a significant step in regulating online safety for children.
The legislation, approved for the first time with 148 votes in favor, 69 against, sets clear rules for children aged 13 to 16, who will now need explicit parental consent to access social media platforms. Children under 13 already face a ban on social media, video and photo sharing, and online betting platforms, and the new law tightens enforcement of these existing restrictions.
Parents will use Portugal’s official Digital Mobile Key (DMK) system to grant permission, while social media companies will be required to implement robust age verification systems. Failure to comply could result in fines or other penalties for companies that do not adequately enforce the regulations.
The bill is still subject to potential amendments before it is finalized, giving lawmakers an opportunity to refine the rules based on public and expert feedback. Advocates of the law emphasize that it aims to protect minors from online risks such as cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and potential addiction, while promoting parental oversight in digital spaces.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about the practicality of strict age verification and the enforcement of parental consent mechanisms, particularly given the global nature of social media platforms. Lawmakers stress that the legislation balances children’s digital freedom with the necessity of safeguarding their mental health and well-being.
This legislation positions Portugal among the first European countries to introduce structured parental controls at a national level, reflecting a growing trend across the continent to regulate children’s access to social media and online services.
