Hungary’s legislative agenda targets cyber security, digital regulation and electronic communication

The Hungarian government’s 2026 autumn parliamentary programme includes legislation in the areas of technology and data protection, which are expected to affect electronic communication service providers, digital platforms, technology providers and manufacturers. 

The measures described below are not in their final form, but reflect the regulatory directions set out in the government’s legislative programme. The relevant draft bills are scheduled for parliamentary submission in October or November 2026, with adoption targeted for December 2026.

Draft bill amending the Electronic Communications Act would establish clearer limits and stronger safeguards to ensure that any access to the metadata of communications by law enforcement or national security agencies is proportionate and respects fundamental rights.

Draft bill on the national cybersecurity agency would reorganise national cyber defence tasks currently allocated to the Supervisory Authority for Regulatory Affairs. Firstly, the government would conduct a review of Hungary’s compliance with NIS2 cyber security requirements. After the review, the proposal would establish an independent National Cybersecurity Agency, introduce new procedures and amend Act LXIX of 2024 on the cybersecurity of Hungary and related implementing decrees as needed. 

Draft bill on the digital innovation agency would create an independent Digital Innovation Agency to support a functioning national innovation ecosystem. The proposal would review and re-regulate national research and development rules and introduce new procedures for the new independent agency. Affected sectors include technology, R&D, universities, innovation funds, start-ups and public innovation bodies.

Draft amendment to Act CI of 2023 on the use of national data assets would improve cooperation among public bodies in the areas of public data sharing, public data utilisation and more efficient exploitation of national data assets. The draft bill would:

• designate Chief Data Officers (CDOs) for individual public bodies and sectors; 
• organise the CDOs into a professional network; and
• create a cross-sectoral forum (a National Data Asset Council).

The above measures would establish the standard foundations for national data asset utilisation and enhance professional cooperation.

Draft bill mitigating the harmful effects of digital devices on children would include the following pillars: 

• age based access and stricter age verification;
• limits on addictive platform features; 
• manufacturer and distributor obligations; 
• school prevention and digital awareness education; and 
• child protection filter software and legal safeguards. 

Affected clients include online platforms, social media providers, device manufacturers and app developers.

Businesses should identify which proposals apply to their operations, identify potentially affected policies, contracts and compliance processes, and prepare to act once the new legislation comes into force. 

source: Parliament bill tracker, https://www.parlament.hu/folyamatban-levo-torvenyjavaslatok

The article was co-authored by Péter Virányi.