Germany is set to examine stricter regulations concerning the use of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, with Education Minister Karin Prien establishing an expert commission to assess potential measures. A ministry spokesperson confirmed the “Children and Youth Protection in the Digital World” commission will begin its work in the coming weeks, following repeated calls from Minister Prien for more robust age verification procedures designed to safeguard children and adolescents.
The move has prompted varied responses within the governing coalition. While acknowledging the need for protective measures, Bundestag President Julia Klöckner has expressed caution regarding solely relying on stricter age restrictions. Klöckner emphasized the importance of empowering young people with the skills necessary for responsible social media usage through enhanced media literacy programs. She indicated that the effectiveness of a minimum age requirement would depend heavily on its practical implementation and enforceability.
Notably, Klöckner recently announced that the German Bundestag itself will establish a presence on TikTok. This strategy is aimed at reaching younger citizens, who increasingly rely on platforms like TikTok as their primary source of information, a demographic no longer consistently reached through traditional media channels.