Start Of Public Consultation On Social Media Reform

The Government has launched a Green Paper on social media to serve as a starting point for public consultation, with the aim of strengthening protections for children, adolescents, and vulnerable individuals.

The Green Paper was presented during a press conference by the Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights, Michael Falzon, and Parliamentary Secretary for Equality and Reforms, Rebecca Buttigieg.

Minister Falzon explained that there remains a lack of understanding regarding the appropriate regulatory age for social media use. He highlighted the pressures that social media can create, particularly those linked to perfectionism and cyberbullying.

“This government is therefore opening this consultation to help develop a legislative framework that provides stronger safeguards, especially for vulnerable groups such as children and adolescents,” Minister Falzon said.

Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg noted that social media has created many realities, some positive, but others that have a negative impact on children, adolescents, and vulnerable people. She stressed that regulating social media is challenging due to its international context.

“There is a growing awareness that social media platforms cannot continue to operate without governments and authorities worldwide considering their effects,” she said.

A technical committee has already begun work to make recommendations to the government on protecting vulnerable individuals online and improving digital education, including for adults exposed to the effects of social media.

The Green Paper establishes the facts and poses a series of questions to provide a platform for discussion and consultation, while ensuring that any reform respects the fundamental right to freedom of expression.

Those wishing to participate in the consultation can do so by visiting publicconsultation.gov.mt by 27 February 2026.

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