Better Internet for Kids

Coimisiún na Meán’s draft Online Safety Code will set binding rules applying to video-sharing platforms who have their EU headquarters in Ireland. The Code was submitted to the European Commission (27.05.2024) under the Technical Regulations Information System (TRIS) Directive process, which involves a standstill period of 3-4 months. Once this process is complete, Coimisiún na Meán will finalise and apply the Code to video-sharing platforms with their EU Headquarters in Ireland.

The DSA Accompanying Act (DSA-BegG) is the federal law that enacts the Digital Services Act in Austria and amends other national laws. It was discussed and published in 2023 and entered into force in 2024. The DSA-BegG provides new procedures against illegal content (particularly harmful content for children) and supporting clauses for victims of online hate speech. 
(Source: BIK Policy Monitor 2024).

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

Article 139h (amended in 2019) of the Dutch Criminal Code addresses the production and possession of sexual/intimate images or material and revenge pornography. It determines the adequate sentence and punishment for a person involved in such crimes.
(Source: Criminal Code).

Entities responsible for implementation: Government of the Netherlands.

The E-Commerce Act establishes regulations and limitations to online advertisements, such as restrictions for alcohol and tobacco, as well as potentially harmful content for minors. In addition, it states limitations to influencers, determining that they must include label advertising and name the advertiser in digital media.
(Source: BIK Policy Monitor 2024).

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

The eEducation Austria initiative is a school-based programme to develop students’ digital skills and ICT competencies. It has a network of schools interested in advancing the digitisation process and expanding media literacy education. 
(Source: Website).

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

Eight-Point Plan for Digital Learning (8-Punkte-Plan) is an initiative aimed at expanding innovative teaching and learning in the Austrian education system. The national plan includes (1) a digital school portal, (2) standardisation of platforms, (3) continuing education for educators, (4) expanding the platform Eduthek, (5) certifying learning apps, (6) expanding IT infrastructure at schools, (7) providing digital terminals for students (8) and teachers.

(Source: Website).

The project Empowering Children’s Participation in Malta enables child participation and youth collaboration in policy-making. It aims to improve the quality of life for children in Malta, giving voice to their needs and perspectives. The project includes a platform and an app to facilitate participation and provide professional support to vulnerable children requiring assistance.
(Source: empoweringchildren.gov.mt/).

The aim of the Enhancing Digital Competence project is to improve the quality and efficiency of education and training and to promote the development of innovative learning environments and flexible forms of learning that will contribute to raising the digital competences of managers and professionals, children, pupils and students.

The European Pillar of Social Rights sets out 20 key principles and rights essential for fair and well- functioning labour markets and social protection systems. The dedicated Action Plan turns the principles into concrete actions to benefit citizens. This includes supporting children in terms of affordable early childhood education and good quality child-care, protection from poverty, equal opportunities, and access to digital communications and other essential services.

(Source: EC Compendium of BIK-related legislation).

Persons with disabilities in Europe should enjoy fully their fundamental rights, have equal opportunities, and not face discrimination. Children with disabilities have the same rights as able- bodied children, e.g. the right to education, early childhood education and care, but often this does not happen in practice. Persons with disabilities are also targeted by hate speech and bullying, including in education institutions. New indicators will also cover children with disabilities.

(Source: EC Compendium of BIK-related legislation).