Migal: MIRRI to Prepare New Law on Protection of Minors in Digital Space

Bratislava, 1 December (TASR) - The Investment, Regional Development and Informatisation Ministry (MIRRI) will prepare a new law on the protection of minors in the public and digital space, Investment Minister Samuel Migal (Independent) and State Secretary Radoslav Stefanek told a news conference on Monday, adding that a working group consisting of various experts will be set up for this purpose. The two officials noted that the law will cover several areas. They raised issues such as the minimum age for children to access social networks or the protection of the identity of minors in the online space, including in connection with deepfake videos and the issue of the existence of child influencers. "We'll prepare a new law on the protection of minors in the public and digital space - modern, functional, precisely targeted at today's risks, without ideology, with a strong emphasis on prevention, the responsibility of platforms and a safe digital future for children," said Migal. Stefanek said that a broad professional debate has been held on the creation of the law with other ministries. "MIRRI is taking responsibility for this, and we'll deliver it as soon as possible," he said, adding that the law could be submitted for interdepartmental review in the first quarter of next year. Migal also outlined other steps that MIRRI will take. A new specialised department for children's protection and prevention in the digital space will be created. "It will be a centre of expertise, coordination and methodological support for the state, schools, parents and various platforms. We'll coordinate all state activities in this area so that they don't run in parallel, but form one comprehensive protection system," explained the minister. He also announced the launch of a grant scheme for the third sector in cooperation with the Digital Coalition and the implementation of an educational campaign for children, parents and schools. ko/df