A ban on social media use is coming. The proposal sparks controversy

One of the main issues with the proposal is the lack of a clear definition of what constitutes social media. Experts point out that in today’s digital reality, the boundaries between media and private communication have disappeared. It is difficult to determine whether the ban would cover only apps like TikTok and Instagram, or also messaging apps, online games, and school chats.

Many platforms combine social, educational, and communication functions, which further complicates the introduction of such a law. In practice, this could mean banning almost all digital communication for children.

The second challenge is the issue of enforcing the regulations. To verify users’ ages, the state or platforms would have to introduce a digital identification system. Such a solution would mean collecting personal data from all users, regardless of age.

Critics warn that this could lead to mass surveillance and privacy violations. Age verification, though seemingly harmless, would require the creation of systems tracking online activity.

The government wants to protect the youngest, but experts point to the need to look for other solutions. Instead of introducing bans, they propose media education and supporting digital skills among children and parents.

Children need to learn how to use the internet safely, rather than being protected by regulations that are difficult to enforce. Otherwise, society may face a dilemma between safety and digital freedom—and a loss of trust in laws that cannot be enforced, specialists summarize.