• The new law targets children under 15

• Platforms will be responsible for verifying users’ ages

Poland plans to introduce legislation banning social media use for children under 15, while holding platforms accountable for age verification, Education Minister Barbara Nowacka said in an interview published Friday.

Nowacka explained that the ruling coalition will present the draft on Friday, with fines for platforms that allow access to younger users, noting the law could take effect by early 2027.

“We see the impact on children’s and youth mental health and notice a decline in their cognitive skills,” Nowacka said, adding that the size of penalties for companies is still under discussion.

The move comes as several European governments—including Denmark, Greece, France, Spain, and the UK—have considered similar restrictions amid warnings that social media can be harmful or addictive for minors.

The British government announced in January it was studying restrictions to protect children online, following Australia’s adoption of similar rules last December.

The measure could put Poland at odds with U.S. tech companies like Meta, which previously opposed similar restrictions after Australia’s ban last year.