Latest news and stories about social media in government in Portugal for expats and residents.
The PSD will submit a bill proposing age verification at social media account creation to enforce a ban on under-13s and restrict access for under-16s. The measure, described as sensible and largely inevitable in an editorial, aims to protect children and reduce pressures such as the pursuit of likes, though it raises practical enforcement and privacy concerns about verification methods.
João Cotrim de Figueiredo’s campaign, which had been gaining momentum, suffered a serious setback after a strategic misstep on second-round strategy and the resurfacing of a harassment allegation on social media. By not ruling out support for Ventura, Cotrim exposed himself to attacks and fractured the narrative of steady progress; the harassment allegation — reportedly known within Iniciativa Liberal for two years — compounded the damage and prompted him to decry ‘low‑level’ and ‘dirty’ politics. The episode shifted the campaign’s focus onto Cotrim personally, energised opponents and risked undoing recent gains as rivals consolidated backing ahead of a possible second round.
The European Commission requests that member countries base their efforts on an application model developed by the EU executive.
With the bill to ban under-16s from social media under discussion, global scientists warn: the technology is invasive, unreliable, and could exacerbate inequalities.
MEP Bruno Gonçalves and Kiko is Hot debated social media and mental health with students at Dr. José Afonso Secondary School. The 'Bora Movement' promotes debate on hate speech and online vulnerability.
The recent intention of the Portuguese Parliament to prohibit free access for those under 16 to social networks and online platforms represents one of the most important (and controversial) public debates in recent times. After countries like France and Spain moved forward with similar ideas, Portugal approved a bill that aims to...
The tool has been a subject of discussion since it was revealed that the Government was paying for a subscription to 'monitor social media and react to controversies'.
Von der Leyen announces a European application ready to protect children on social media. “This application gives parents, teachers and caregivers a powerful tool to protect children,” guarantees the Commission.
Reducing the debate on social media access for those under 16 to a dichotomy between permissiveness and repression is simplistic and illusory. Opinion by Ana Rita Bessa
In the week that a local politician appeared on social media with a 'very black' eye without giving any explanation, another was filmed travelling in a car without a seatbelt.
Although acknowledging that “some” young people “will be angry”, the Greek Prime Minister states that “the science is clear”. The ban, announced on TikTok, will begin on 1 January 2027.
More and more countries are considering moving forward with restrictions to protect young people from the dangers of these platforms.
Knowing some adults who have become disillusioned with social media, I see that the disenchantment is now widespread and accelerating, one might say irreversibly. A column by Miguel Esteves Cardoso.
Social media has become central to how we inform and are informed. Between freedom of expression and a lack of accountability, an urgent reflection is needed: how can we ensure transparency and rigour without compromising public debate?
The government wants schools to use a checklist to prevent pornographic influencers from entering student association campaigns. A working group holds principals accountable.
In an era of political polarisation driven by social media, Artificial Intelligence promises to help combat populism and extremism. It could also contribute to the fight against disinformation if used correctly.
Everyone should have the possibility to learn the same thing.
This week we discuss Carneiro's visit to Caracas and Viseu, the Molotov cocktail incident at the March for Life in Lisbon, and the viral nonsense about antidepressants that stirred up social media.
The Austrian government will ban access to social media and digital platforms for citizens under 14 years of age, following negotiations with the other parties in the governing coalition. According to the local news agency, APA, the left-wing, right-wing, and liberal parties that make up the government have reached an agreement.
Regarding the health of society, 'we have seen how this has set democracies on fire — I am speaking specifically about social media,' stated the United Nations Under-Secretary-General.
The European Union (EU) will have a mobile age verification application available next autumn to restrict access to inappropriate content on social media, with the authentication method still to be finalised, the European Commission announced today. “Currently, six of our member states are testing this age verification tool and...”
The European Commission advocates for a common minimum age for social media access and is preparing a verification application to strengthen the protection of children in the digital space.
A new tool for verifying user age on social media platforms within the European Union is scheduled for release this autumn.
The author, a family photographer, discusses the importance of the new Felca Law in Portugal, which aims to regulate the digital exposure and monetization of children by influencers. The article argues that childhood should not be treated as a growth strategy or a commodity, highlighting the need to protect children's privacy, dignity, and future rights to their own image, while also addressing the systemic lack of support for mothers that often drives this digital exploitation.
Regarding gambling and pornography, the lawyer advocates for mandatory, more rigorous age verification mechanisms. She asks Parliament not to wait another 15 years to make a decision.
The consequence of the Big Data economic rationale is the increased density of the digital footprint and, therefore, the possibility of abuses of dominant position by algorithmic institutions and authorities.
According to the report, election periods are the contexts most used for disinformation campaigns. In 2025, Russia was the main source of disinformation against the EU.
The social network X is the primary channel used for disinformation activities against the European Union, with politicians being the main target, according to a report released this Tuesday by the European diplomatic service. In a report titled 'Foreign interference and information manipulation threats', the European External Action Service (EEAS) indicates that, of the approximately...
A report indicates that, of the approximately 43,000 pieces of content related to disinformation analyzed in 2025, 88% passed through the social network X.
The social network X is the main channel used for disinformation activities against the European Union and politicians are the primary target, according to a report released today by the European diplomatic service.
