Croatia proposes new laws to protect children online and establish Barnahus model

The Croatian Ministry of Justice, Administration, and Digital Transformation has outlined plans to introduce two new laws aimed at child protection. According to the legislative activity form for 2027, currently undergoing public consultation, the proposed measures include the Law on the Protection of Children and Youth in the Digital Environment and the Law on the Children's House of the Republic of Croatia.

The digital protection law is expected to enter the legislative process in the second quarter of next year. Aligned with European Commission recommendations and the Digital Services Act, the law aims to reduce exposure to harmful content, establish privacy-protecting age verification mechanisms, and promote digital literacy for children and guardians.

Additionally, the proposed Law on the Children's House, slated for the fourth quarter, seeks to establish a national Children's House based on the Barnahus model. This European standard provides a coordinated approach to protecting the rights and interests of children who are victims or witnesses of violence or abuse.