Portugal: Bill concerning the Protection of Children in Digital Environments (PL 398/XVII/1) including content moderation regulation was introduced to Parliament

On 2 February 2026, the Bill on the Protection of Children in Digital Environments (PL 398/XVII/1) was introduced in Parliament. Article 12 requires services and platforms covered by the law to implement mechanisms to detect and limit suspicious contacts, automatically block messages containing violent or sexual material, including content that may constitute cyberbullying, and provide fast and secure reporting channels. Reports involving children must be treated as a priority and addressed within a maximum of 24 hours. These obligations also apply, with the necessary adaptations, to interpersonal electronic communications services, as defined in the Electronic Communications Law, when used by children under 16. Article 16 establishes that platforms and digital service providers are liable for material and non-material damages resulting from breaches of the law, whether by act or omission. Where several parties are responsible for the damage, liability is joint and several.