Germany Plans Social Media Limits for Children Under 13
The cabinet approved a framework for interim protections while the country plans changes to its youth protection law.
Key takeaways
- Germany plans to bar children under 13 from most social networks.
- The cabinet approved framework points for interim rules pending EU-wide restrictions.
- The government wants platforms to disable recommendation systems by default.
Germany’s cabinet approved a framework for interim rules that would bar children under 13 from most social networks, including TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram. The plan is intended to apply while the country waits for EU-wide restrictions.
The government plans to reform its Youth Protection Act, with a cabinet decision targeted for this year. Family Minister Karin Prien said she expected an EU-level agreement next year, but said Germany would not wait for it.
The proposed German rules would allow exceptions for services shown to be suitable for children. For users aged 13 to 18, the government plans restrictions in stages. The EU Commission’s proposal includes parent-managed “mini accounts” for teenagers, with limited features and a one-hour daily limit.
Germany says the measures are needed because, according to the government’s framework, one in four children shows problematic social media use. The government also cited risks including cyberbullying, hate speech, violent content and online grooming.
Germany also plans to press for restrictions on designs that encourage addictive use, including recommendation systems being switched off by default. The cabinet’s framework also proposes an “AI seahorse” certificate for primary-school children and clearer parental supervision duties for online activity.
This article was produced with the help of AI technology. Based on reporting by the outlets listed above.
