On 12 February, the draft bill “Medidas de Proteção de Crianças em Ambientes Digitais”, submitted by the PSD Parliamentary Group (GPPPSD), was approved in general terms by Parliament.

While the objective of protecting minors in digital environments is legitimate and essential, the approved draft raises serious concerns. It reflects a limited understanding of the videogame sector’s operations and value chain, seeks to regulate fundamentally different digital services under the same framework, and overlooks the robust self-regulation mechanisms already in place (including the PEGI age rating system, as well as the wide availability of parental controls across devices and platforms).

Together with AEPDV, we have published a position paper outlining the risks and potential unintended consequences of the approved draft bill. As representatives of the sector in Portugal, we reiterate our availability to contribute constructively to the legislative process as the proposal now proceeds to discussion in the 1st Committee.