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Four aligned boxes of increasing height and different colours with the writing "Knowledge hub: Rules and guidelines".

Rule and guideline

policy and regulation, media literacy education, digital and socia-cultural environment

Guidelines – Age Classification of Audiovisual Programmes

The "Guidelines – Age Classification of Audiovisual Programmes" by Medietilsynet (Norwegian Media Authority) outline the process for classifying audiovisual programmes to protect minors from harmful content. Mandated by the Audiovisual Programme Act, all programmes made available to the general public, with specific exemptions, require an age limit. The assessment considers a programme's assumed impact on various age groups, evaluating its expression (e.g., mood, characters) and content (e.g., violence, sexuality, difficult themes).

Norway
Implemented 2023 - Ongoing

BIK+ strategy pillar 1 - protection

Phone screen showing the writing "EU Digital Identity - Age Verification" with two young people using a phone closeby

Article

European Commission - DG CONNECT
25 September 2025

How the age verification blueprint can help make the internet safer for children

The internet plays a big role in the lives of children, serving as a platform for learning, staying connected with friends and family, and an outlet for play and creativity. But it is also filled with dangers and harmful content. One critical measure to create better and safer online experiences for children and young people is to effectively ensure they can access platforms and content that are appropriate for them, and in turn, are protected from accessing dangerous or harmful content and contact on the internet. This is why the European Commission recently launched its age verification blueprint, based on the European Digital Identity Wallet specifications. Here, we explain how it will work in detail.

Man looking at a computer screen (cartoon style)

Article

BIK Team
29 August 2025

Age assurance across Europe: how countries are safeguarding minors online

In 2024, regulators and online service providers fully aligned around the Digital Services Act (DSA), a groundbreaking piece of legislation that regulates the provision of online services within the EU, regardless of whether the provider is based in Europe or not. This year, the focus has shifted to implementing these legislative principles in practice. In particular, measures aimed at safeguarding minors have gained significant momentum, with age verification being a key example.

Article

German Safer Internet Centre
19 August 2025

KIM Study 2024 on media behaviour of children in Germany published

The newest KIM Study has been published in June. The study shows that more than half of 6 to 13-year-old children are online every day. This means that the intensive use of digital services is shifting into primary school age - often including the use of social media. Against this backdrop, questions of parental guidance and age-appropriate services are becoming increasingly important.

Rule and guideline

policy and regulation, advertising/commercialism

Lotteries Act

In Finland, gambling is regulated by the Lotteries Act. The purpose of the Lotteries Act is to ensure the legal protection of players, prevent misuse and crime and reduce the economic, social and health-related harm resulting from gambling.

Finland
Implemented 2001 - Ongoing

BIK+ strategy pillar 1 - protection

Young person dressed as superhero in front of a shield smiles, protected from different risks (like inappropriate content) symbolised by icons surrounding him

Article

BIK Team
31 July 2025

A safer digital world for children: How the DSA is transforming online safety in the European Union

The internet is a big part of everyday life for young people, whether they're learning, playing, creating, or simply staying in touch with friends. However, as digital spaces become increasingly central to how children grow up, it's equally important that these spaces are safe, respectful, and designed with their rights and needs in mind. That’s precisely where the Digital Services Act (DSA) comes in.

Article

BIK Team
21 November 2024

Guide to age assurance section: updated resources now available!

Young people interact with the digital world daily. Whether they’re gaming, chatting with friends, or seeking homework help, they make the most of the countless opportunities for learning and connection that the internet offers. However, this also exposes children and adolescents to risks, such as harmful or age-inappropriate content, often when they least expect it.