At its 1554^th meeting in Strasbourg on 12 March 2026, the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers adopted the Terms of Reference of the Drafting Committee on Risks and Harms of Online and Digital Addictions (BIO-ALN). This decision followed a review of the Drafting Committee’s Terms of Reference by the Rapporteur Group on Social and Health Questions (GR-SOC), which met on 5 March 2026.

The Drafting Committee was set up in response to the rising concerns around online dependencies and behaviours such as gaming, gambling and overall digital use and the risks they pose to health and well-being.

BIO-ALN will work under the authority of the Committee of Ministers and of the Steering Committee for Human Rights in the fields of Biomedicine and Health (CDBIO) and will operate from 1 September 2026 until 31 December 2027. It is tasked with developing a Committee of Ministers Recommendation to member States for addressing the risks and harms related to online and digital addictions, providing clear and comprehensive guidance to Council of Europe member States on developing effective responses and regulatory frameworks with regard to technology-related addictions and with a strong focus on safeguarding health, social well-being and individual rights.

The Drafting Committee will bring together a multidisciplinary composition of 15 experts designated by the Council of Europe International Cooperation Group on Drugs and Addictions (Pompidou Group), various Council of Europe Steering Committees and the Secretary General, with expertise in addiction studies, public health, regulatory practice, digital behaviour and other related fields. It will also collaborate with relevant Council of Europe bodies, observer States, international organisations civil society and other partners to ensure a broad and informed representation.