Bulgaria

European Digital Identity Wallets to be rolled out: The EU Digital Identity Wallets, which can integrate age verification functionality, are planned to be rolled out by the end of 2026.

EU Commission publishes second age verification blueprint: The European Commission published a second blueprint for an age verification solution, offering onboarding using passports and ID cards.

New rules for Bulgarian internet providers discussed: Article published discussing expanding legal obligations for internet service providers to restrict access to illegal online content, including pornography involving minors, under DSA implementation.

EU Commission publishes first age verification blueprint: The European Commission made a blueprint for an age verification solution available, supporting DSA implementation for age-restricted online content.

Justice Minister calls for public involvement in tackling online crimes against children: Justice Minister Georgi Georgiev highlighted the challenge of online crimes against children and noted a lack of specific laws to fix the problem, emphasizing the need for prevention.

Bill for amendment to the Electronic Communications Act submitted: A bill to amend and supplement the Electronic Communications Act, aiming to implement the EU Digital Services Act (DSA), was submitted to Parliament.

Communications Regulation Commission (CRC) appointed as Digital Services Coordinator (DSC): The CRC was appointed as DSC by Decision No. 405 of the Council of Ministers, beginning its functions for overseeing DSA compliance.

Cybersecurity Act: Adopted to implement the EU Network and Information Security (NIS) Directive, with a focus on network and information security across critical infrastructure and digital services, including child safety online.

EU Directive on Child Sexual Abuse: EU directive approved by the European Parliament, requiring member states, including Bulgaria, to transpose new rules on child sexual abuse into national law within two years.

Amendment to the Bulgarian Criminal Code (State Gazette No. 38): Defined 'pornographic material' and introduced specific legal sanctions for online pornography, particularly involving persons under 18 years of age.

NCRT renamed to Council for Electronic Media (CEM): The National Council for Radio and Television (NCRT) was renamed to the Council for Electronic Media (CEM).

Child Protection Act: Law adopted to protect children, including from pornographic materials.

National Council for Radio and Television (NCRT) established: Established as the main media supervisory body.

Radio and Television Act (RTA): Adopted as the main law guiding media operations.

Criminal Code: Introduced, prohibiting the creation and dissemination of pornographic content.

Bulgarian Criminal Law: Criminalized pornography under Special Section V, Crimes Against the Person: para. 9 Debauchery.

First Penal Code, Article 230: Prohibited the production and distribution of pornographic publications.