Poland is preparing new regulations that would require social media platforms to verify users’ ages and block access for those under 16, with the government hoping to introduce the measures this year.
Deputy digital affairs minister Dariusz Standerski said Poland and the EU had long neglected social media regulation, allowing platforms to operate with little control. Under the proposal, users would confirm their age through a secure digital identity wallet when creating an account, rather than simply declaring it themselves.
The system would share only limited information and is being developed in coordination with other EU states and the European Commission.
The move follows growing international momentum for tighter rules on minors’ online access, after Australia banned under-16s from social media and several EU countries signalled similar plans.
