The CDU wants mandatory age verification barring under-16s from creating accounts on online platforms
Germany Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party has proposed banning social media for minors under 16, Bild reported on Thursday.
The proposal, which will reportedly be discussed at the party convention on February 20-21, would require mandatory age verification and deny access to users aged 15 and younger to platforms such as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, aiming to protect children from online abuse.
“Strict rules on age limits for using social media can provide effective protection for children and teenagers from the effects of hate and incitement, psychological pressure, bullying, or harmful content online,” the motion seen by the media outlet reads.
A survey conducted for Bild by pollster INSA in December suggested that 60% of Germans support banning social media use for children under 16, while around a quarter of respondents oppose such a move.
Governments worldwide have been exploring similar legislation over the past years. In December, Australia barred children under 16 from social media, becoming the first country to introduce such a ban. As of January, platforms removed or deactivated about 4.7 million under‑16 accounts, according to the country’s eSafety Commissioner.
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