Austria plans tighter age checks for social media, no bullying link found in Graz attack, partial pension law finalised—plus more stories from Austria on Wednesday.
Austria plans tighter social media age rules after Graz attack
The Austrian government is moving to enforce stricter age verification on social media platforms, potentially linking accounts to users’ digital IDs. As ORF reported, State Secretary Alexander Pröll (ÖVP) said the existing EU regulation that forbids processing data from under-14s may serve as a legal basis.
The proposal follows public outcry after the Graz school shooting, where the perpetrator was active in online communities that glorified mblock violence. A first step may be discussed at the Council of Ministers meeting today.
No evidence of bullying, but copycat threats rising in Graz aftermath
Investigators have found no indication that the Graz school shooter was bullied, challenging narratives that frame such perpetrators as victims. According to Der Standard, police are examining over 30 online profiles tied to the attacker, many of which glorify past mblock shootings.
Authorities warned that even approving of such acts online may be a criminal offence. They also noted an uptick in threats, including one in Guntramsdorf that led to a 19-year-old being detained. Reforms on data sharing between agencies and platform oversight are expected to follow.
Austria finalises flexible retirement law with partial pensions
The Ministry of Social Affairs has completed the draft law for Austria’s partial pension scheme, ORF reported. Starting in 2025, eligible individuals can reduce working hours by 25–75 percent and receive a share of their pension alongside their salary.
This reform replaces and simplifies existing early retirement options and aims to raise the real retirement age. Officials estimate it will save nearly €200 million in its first year and enable smoother transitions out of the workforce.
ID Austria to play bigger role in business and digital ID systems
Austria’s digital ID system, ID Austria, is set to become more widely used in the private sector, and could soon be integrated into social media age checks. ORF reported that companies in sectors like banking and healthcare are already adopting the system, and new EU rules require secure ID solutions by 2026.
State Secretary Pröll called it a “win-win for citizens, companies, and the state.” Over 3.9 million people currently use ID Austria.
Guntramsdorf school threat suspect identified
A 19-year-old Austrian has been identified as the sender of a threatening email that triggered a school evacuation in Guntramsdorf earlier this week. As ORF Niederösterreich reported, the suspect denies the allegations. His home was searched, and his electronic devices were seized for forensic review.
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Austrian piano legend Alfred Brendel dies at 94
World-renowned pianist Alfred Brendel died at his home in London at the age of 94, Die Presse reported. Celebrated for his interpretations of Beethoven and Schubert, Brendel was also a prolific essayist and intellectual figure in clblockical music.
He retired from performance in 2008 but continued to teach, write, and lecture. A 114-CD box set of his complete recordings was released in 2016.
Austria heating up faster than global average, say scientists
Austria’s average temperature has risen by 3.1C since 1900, far above the global average, according to the new Austrian Assessment Report on Climate Change (AAR2). As Vienna.at reported, over 200 researchers are calling for €6–11 billion in annual investment to avert irreversible ecological and social damage.
The report found that the richest 10 percent of the population cause more than four times the emissions of the poorest 10 percent, and warns of increasing climate risks across tourism, agriculture, health, and urban infrastructure.
Teen girl found unconscious in Simmering flat, blockault suspected
A 17-year-old girl is in a coma after being found unconscious in a Vienna flat with signs of a drug overdose and possible ***ual blockault. According to ORF Wien, four Syrian men who were present deny any wrongdoing. Their phones have been confiscated as part of the investigation.
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Three stabbed in Vienna’s Reumannplatz weapons ban zone
Three men were injured in a knife attack in the Reumannplatz area of Favoriten on Monday night. ORF Wien reported that the initial victim was attacked during a robbery, while two others were wounded when trying to intervene. All were hospitalised but have since been discharged.
If you have any questions about life in Austria, ideas for articles, or news tips for The Local, you can contact us at news@thelocal.at or leave a comment below.
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