Overview
- Draft legislation is before the Senate’s VIII Commission with support from Fratelli d’Italia, the Democratic Party, and Italia Viva, led by first signatory Senator Lavinia Mennuni and targeting approval in early 2026.
- New accounts would be allowed only from age 15, and contracts for existing accounts held by users under 15 would remain valid only if the user has turned 15 when the law enters into force.
- Platforms would be required to verify users’ ages through an EU “mini digital wallet,” with a national wallet option slated by June 30, 2026, and interim Italian measures under debate.
- AGCOM would issue specific guidelines for advertising that involves minors within 180 days of enactment and would oversee compliance with annual public reporting.
- Proponents argue stricter checks are necessary because self-declaration and current AI-based detection do not reliably identify underage users, and the bill seeks to curb the commercial exploitation of “baby influencers.”