Legal definitions
In Hungary, a “minor” is defined as a person under the age of 18. A person who has reached the age of 14 may consent to sexual activity with a person who has reached the age of 18. A person who has reached the age of 12 but not 14 may only consent to sexual activity with a person who has not reached the age of 18.
“Sexual exploitation,” “sexual violence,” and “sexual abuse” are codified to punish offenders more severely if committed against a child. Sexual exploitation occurs when someone “forces another person to perform or tolerate sexual activities.” Sexual violence occurs when committed “by force or threat,” or “by exploiting a person.”
Concepts related to child sexual exploitation are further addressed through other laws, such as those against human trafficking and forced labor, pandering, procuring for prostitution or sexual act, exploitation of child prostitution, and indecent exposure.
Hungarian law uses the term “pornographic recording,” which means the depiction of someone—real or computer generated—in a way that “depicts sexually in a grossly indecent manner for the purpose of arousing sexual desire.” It is illegal to obtain, offer, supply, produce, distribute, or deal with pornographic images of a minor.
The crime of pandering constitutes the act of enticement or grooming, and is defined as “encouraging, persuading, or coercing a child to engage in sexual activity or to create child pornography or CSAM.” “Sextortion” is not defined or criminalized.
Regulatory requirements/recommendations
Online platforms are not required to review, screen, moderate, detect, or report online child sexual exploitation content. Platforms are generally not liable for illegal content they store unless they know about it and fail to remove it.
Age verification requirements/recommendations
Online platforms are not required to implement any method of age verification before a user can access their services. Certain products, including “sexual products,” which are not defined, may not be sold to minors, and require retailers to reliably verify the age of the purchaser.
Parental consent requirements/recommendations
Online platforms are not required to obtain parental consent before allowing a child to access their services.
Legal remedies for child victims
Victims may request the removal of CSAM from online platforms, but platforms are not required to comply absent a judicial order. Courts may order online platforms to temporarily remove or block access to illegal content, and online platforms must comply within one working day. Courts also may issue protective orders prohibiting offenders from reposting the material.
Child victims may pursue civil remedies, including injunctions to stop further harm, restitution, public disclosure, and monetary compensation for non-material harm. Victims may also seek damages from offenders in civil proceedings.
In addition, Hungary provides extensive state-funded victim support services, including financial assistance, legal advice, emotional support, counseling, healthcare access, and protected shelter, free of charge. Victims are entitled to be informed of key developments in criminal proceedings, including the offender’s arrest, release, or changes in custodial status.
"Safety by Design" requirements
Online platforms are subject to a clear legal obligation under EU and Hungarian law to incorporate “Safety by Design” into their systems. Video-sharing platform providers are subject to specific child protection obligations, including content access restrictions, age-appropriate safeguards, limits on profiling, and transparency around algorithmic recommendation systems.