Better Internet for Kids

The Flemish Media Decree is the foundational legal framework for audiovisual media in Flanders. It designates the Vlaamse Regulator voor de Media (VRM) as the independent supervisory authority for audiovisual media, including the enforcement of the DSA and AVMSD. The decree covers protection of minors, advertising, commercial communication, accessibility, and platform regulation. VRM monitors compliance, imposes sanctions, and participates in national and European regulatory cooperation.

(Source: VRM)

The Decree on Audiovisual Media Services and Video-Sharing Platforms (French Community) regulates audiovisual media services and video-sharing platforms in the French Community of Belgium. The Conseil Supérieur de l’Audiovisuel (CSA) is designated as the regulatory authority for enforcement, implementing AVMSD and DSA provisions. The decree covers protection of minors, age verification, parental controls, advertising standards, platform accountability, and sanctions for non-compliance.

The Decree on Media Services and Cinema Screenings (German-speaking Community) is a regional statutory code establishing the Medienrat as the independent regulatory authority for media services and cinema in the German-speaking Community of Belgium. The decree covers the regulation and supervision of audiovisual and audio media services, protection of minors, commercial communication, platform regulation, DSA and AVMSD enforcement, and cooperation with national and EU authorities. Medienrat is responsible for DSA supervision, dispute resolution, and annual reporting.

The Recommendations on Online Influencer Marketing by the Belgian Advertising Council for online influencers, updated in 2022, require influencers to clearly disclose commercial communications. Influencers must use clear tags (e.g., ""reclame"", ""advertentie"") in the language of the audience, and ensure transparency for consumers, especially minors. The recommendations align with the Belgian Code of Economic Law and EU consumer protection rules. JEP (Jury for Ethical Practices in Advertising) handles complaints and monitors compliance.

(Source: JEP)

The Influencer Guidelines, first published in 2018,  provide guidance for online influencers, advertisers, agencies, media, and platforms. These guidelines emphasise the importance of transparency, requiring influencers to clearly disclose any commercial relationships by using terms such as ‘advertising,’ ‘sponsorship,’ or hashtags like #ad, #spon, or #prom. The guidelines also mandate that such disclosures be prominent and easily understandable to consumers.

The Belgium Code of Conduct for Advertising and Marketing Communications to children is a selef-regulatory code that sets guidelines on marketing and advertising directed at children, including digital environments. It addresses manipulative advertising techniques and prohibits content that exploits children's inexperience or credulity. The application of the code is controlled by the Jury for Ethical Practice in Advertising (JEP), the self-regulatory body of the advertising sector in Belgium, which is composed of advertisers, marketing bureaus, media and consumers.

(Source: JEP)

Four competent authorities have been designated to enforce the Digital Services Act (DSA) in Belgium: BIPT (federal/national coordinator, Act of 21 April 2024), Vlaamse Regulator voor de Media (VRM, Flemish Community), Conseil Supérieur de l’Audiovisuel (CSA, French Community), and Medienrat (German-speaking Community). BIPT is the national coordinator. Each authority is responsible for DSA supervision and enforcement within its jurisdiction, including certifying trusted flaggers, investigating violations, imposing sanctions, and cooperating with the EU Commission and other DSCs.

The Austrian Youth Strategy is an ongoing process to strengthen and develop youth policy in Austria. In September 2020, the Austrian Federal Government decided on the joint continuation of the Youth Strategy. Based on the fields of action in the Youth Strategy, each federal ministry has developed Youth Goals backed by specific measures.

The National Strategy for Children's Rights 2021-2024 (Estratégia Nacional para os Direitos das Crianças 2021-2024) has five priorities: promote well-being and equal opportunities; support families and parents; facilitate access to information and youth participation; prevent violence against children and young people; enhance scientific knowledge and raise awareness on children’s rights. 
(Source: www.cnpdpcj.gov.pt/).

The National Plan for Children's Rights for the period from 2022 to 2026  continues to create and implement policies to improve children's rights. The national plan includes the public policies of other sectors that are in close interaction with children's rights and determines the key goals and mechanisms for the implementation of the set strategic goals.