Austria

Austria has set its sights on social media use by young people, announcing plans to prohibit access for children up to the age of 14—arguing the platforms drive addiction, amplify violence, fuel misinformation and pressure children into unrealistic beauty ideals. Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler said it is “almost impossible for parents to control their children's consumption” on services that, he argued, are built to keep users “deliberately dependent.” Speaking at a press conference, he said the government’s approach focuses…

Austria avalanches kill five near Salzburg as heavy snowfall triggers deadly slides across Alps SALZBURG, Austria — Five people were killed in two off-piste avalanches in Austria’s Alps today, Austrian public broadcaster ORF reported, underscoring a perilous start to the winter after heavy snowfall across the region. The deadliest incident struck a group of seven ski tourers in the Pongau district south of Salzburg, where an avalanche swept the party, killing four and seriously injuring another, according to ORF. Mountain…

Austria Deports Two Somali Men to Mogadishu in First Forced Returns in 20 Years MOGADISHU — Two Somali men convicted of drug offenses in Austria were flown to Mogadishu this week, the first deportations from Austria to Somalia in two decades, underscoring a rapidly hardening mood on migration across parts of Europe. Austria’s Interior Ministry confirmed the removals, saying the men were returned after serving their prison sentences. In the Somali capital, relatives told BBC Somali Service that they were warned a removal…