Mediawet 2008, Chapter 4, Protection of Minors (Content Classification and Access Restriction)
Mediawet 2008, arts. 4.1, 4.1a (BWBR0025028)
A citation is an address, not a summary. The first part names the law; what follows narrows it to the exact section, article or paragraph.
In force since 1 January 2009.
An adult content age verification (AV) rule.
As of 6 September 2026.
What this law does
Drafted with AI from the cited sources under the direction of UnGovr staff. UnGovr holds editorial responsibility for this page.
An audiovisual media provider may only offer content capable of harming the physical, mental, or moral development of a person under sixteen if the institution responsible for the content is affiliated with the organization the Minister has recognized under Article 4.2, and is bound by that organization's rules and supervision, per Article 4.1. Article 4.1a requires the most harmful content, expressly including pornography, to be made technically inaccessible to persons under sixteen.
It separately forbids the commercial processing of any personal data of minors collected under this scheme. The Commissariaat voor de Media supervises compliance with the classification scheme. A video-sharing platform provider established in the Netherlands carries a parallel code-of-conduct duty under Mediawet 2008 Chapter 3a.
Who enforces it
Enforcement body
Commissariaat voor de Media
What it reaches
Age threshold
16
Covered services
Audiovisual media offerings (linear broadcast and on-demand) under Dutch jurisdiction; video-sharing platforms carry a parallel code-of-conduct duty under Mediawet 2008 Chapter 3a (arts. 3a.1-3a.5)
When LexLint raises it
publishes_adult_content