Overview
- In a podcast interview, Chancellor Friedrich Merz voiced “much sympathy” for restricting underage access, signaling support for both a CDU plan for 16+ with age checks and the SPD’s tiered model.
- CDU delegates in Stuttgart will consider a Schleswig‑Holstein motion to set a minimum age of 16 for platforms such as TikTok and Instagram with mandatory age verification, backed by Hendrik Wüst and Daniel Günther.
- The SPD proposal would fully bar children under 14 and require a “youth version” without algorithmic recommendation or reward systems for those aged 14 to 15.
- Berlin’s position is to wait for the digital‑youth‑safety commission’s report; CSU leader Markus Söder rejects blanket bans and favors real‑name rules, while Jens Spahn calls for nuanced measures and Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger supports tighter limits.
- Polling cited in coverage shows majority public backing for age restrictions, research highlights problematic use among minors, and questions over EU competence and enforceable, privacy‑safe age verification remain unresolved.