Better Internet for Kids

To better protect children on the internet, the law requires manufacturers of connected devices (smartphones, tablets, etc.) to install a parental control system and offer its free activation when the device is first put into service. A decree makes the law applicable on September 5, 2022. Another text is still awaited.

The Law of October 19, 2020 aimed at regulating the commercial exploitation of the image of children under the age of sixteen on online platforms. The law regulates the work of ""child influencers"" on online video platforms (YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, etc.). It fills a legal void because nothing was previously provided to protect them. It also gives them a right to digital oblivion that they can exercise alone without their parents.

This law establishes the educational goals of the Republic of Lithuania, the principles of the educational system, the structure of the educational system, the foundations of educational activities, educational relations, and the state's obligations in the field of education. 
(Source: Article 1, Purpose of the Law).

Entities responsible for implementation: Ministry of Education, Science and Sports / Švietimo, mokslo ir sporto ministerija and Communications Regulatory Authority of the Republic of Lithuania / Lietuvos Respublikos ryšių reguliavimo tarnyba.

"The purpose of this law is to ensure the implementation, protection and protection of the child's rights and freedoms, to strengthen the responsibility and opportunities of parents and other representatives of the child in accordance with the law to take care of the child, to ensure the child's interests, to establish the foundations for the organization of assistance to the child and the family or other representatives of the child in accordance with the law, taking into account the Lithuanian The provisions of the Constitution of the Republic, the United Nations Convention on the Rights

This law establishes provisions to protect minors from the negative impacts and potential harms of accessing public information. It also specifies responsibilities and duties to producers, journalists, disseminators, and other professionals in the media field. It was amended in 2021 to harmonise with the Directive 2010/13/EU. 
(Source: BIK Policy Monitor 2024).

On 18 May 2020, the law of 4 May 2020 aimed at combating the non-consensual dissemination of images and recordings of a sexual nature  (“revenge porn”) was published in the Belgian Official Gazette. The practice has been punishable since 2016, but now stricter penalties apply. 
(Source: BIK Policy Monitor 2024).

Entities responsible for implementation:
Belgian Federal Public Service/Federale Overheidsdienst Justitie/Service Public Fédéral Justice

The Local Government Act obliges municipalities to set up a youth council and ensure that it operates properly. According to Section 26 of the Act, Youth councils must be given the opportunity to influence the planning, preparation, execution and monitoring of the activities of the municipality’s different areas of responsibility in matters of importance to the well-being, health, education, living environment, housing or mobility of the municipality’s residents and also in other matters that the youth council considers to be significant for children and young people.

The Malta Diġitali Strategy sets out the national strategy for 2022-2027 and highlights how Malta intends to maintain its momentum as a leader in digital transformation while remaining mindful of social and economic opportunities and challenges that arise. It sets out how Government shall act not only in its traditional role as policy maker, promoter and regulator, but also as a catalyst for change through digitalisation alongside other social and economic actors. 
(Source: Malta Diġitali).

The Master Plan for Digitalisation aims at implementing digital transformation in the Austrian educational system. It sets three fundamental action areas related to teaching, training and school infrastructure.
(Source: Masterplan Digitalisierung).

Entities responsible for implementation:
Federal Ministry of Education, Science and Research/Bundesministerium für Bildung, Wissenschaft und Forschung

The Media Act was introduced into the General Civil Code (ABGB) in 2024. It has a section on the right to privacy, including rights and compensations for minors.
(Source: Mediengesetz).

Entities responsible for implementation:
Federal Chancellery Republic of Austria/Bundeskanzleramt Österreich