Calls for tighter regulation of TikTok and broader social media platforms are gaining momentum in Germany, fueled by Australia’s recent ban on the app for users under 16. Several prominent politicians are now advocating for similar measures, raising concerns about the impact of social media on young people’s mental health and well-being.
Daniel Günther, Minister President of Schleswig-Holstein and a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has publicly declared a commitment to protecting children from the potential harms of social media. In an interview with “Bild”, Günther argued that inaction constitutes a deliberate endangerment of the future generation and underscored a political obligation to establish clear, legally enforceable boundaries. He specifically champions a future where individuals under 16 are shielded from both TikTok and all social media platforms, criticizing the prolonged period during which young people have navigated the negative consequences of these platforms without adequate protection. Günther highlighted TikTok’s tendency to expose minors to content deemed unsuitable for their age, emphasizing the need for proactive intervention.
The call for action extends beyond the CDU, with Franziska Brantner, co-chair of the Green Party, expressing strong support for an age limit on social media access. Brantner stressed that current digital regulations are failing to deter harmful practices and advocated for a legal framework that holds platforms accountable. She specifically pointed to the necessity of mandating the use of “search- and manipulation-free algorithms” suggesting that current algorithmic designs are intentionally engineered to cultivate addiction amongst young users. Brantner also underscored the importance of rigorous and data-protection compliant enforcement of any imposed age restrictions.
Currently, German platforms like Instagram and Facebook operate with a self-imposed minimum age of 13, as outlined in their terms of service. However, critics routinely point to a lack of effective age verification mechanisms, rendering these rules largely unenforceable. The growing calls for stricter regulation in Germany represent a concerted effort to address these shortcomings and reflect a broader global reevaluation of the societal impact of social media platforms, particularly concerning the vulnerability of young users. The potential implementation of an age limit and algorithmic oversight remains a politically charged issue, poised to shape the landscape of digital access and responsibility in Germany.