Council for Electronic Media (CEM) has accepted new Code of Conduct, which incorporates regulation of gambling ads. Тhe document entered into force on 1^st of February, and its aim to protect the children’s audience. According to the document, media operators should not allow participation of children in gambling commercials and should not allow the presentation of gambling as a suitable source of easy acquisition of money. The Code says that gaming advertisements should not be misleading towards children.

The Code of Conduct is obligatory for all suppliers of media services. Its provisions for video-sharing platforms include all platforms in the country and oblige their users to immediately notify the provider in case of any violations concerning the safety of kids.

The document sets out measures to evaluate, identify and restrict access to programs that are unfavourable or pose a risk of harm to the physical, mental, moral, and social development of children. The Code was developed jointly by CEM, the Association of Bulgarian Broadcasters, Bulgaria National Radio, and Bulgarian National Television, according to the Radio and Television Act.

Representatives of CEM commented that for the formation of the Code few key components were taken into account – the different level of physical, mental, moral and social development of children in different age groups within the wide range from 0 to 18 years and the level of media literacy of the audience.