The premiers of German federal states, meeting as part of the Conference of Minister-Presidents, expressed readiness to introduce strict age limits for social media users. These proposals coincide with the start of work by a special European Union expert group, chaired by a specialist from Ulm. The debate concerns not only protecting the youngest from harmful content but also combating antisemitism and potentially introducing a ban on mobile phone use in schools.

Age Restrictions Online

State premiers advocate for introducing more effective age barriers for users of social media platforms.

EU Expert Group Work

A EU initiative led by an expert from Ulm was inaugurated, which is to create standards for protecting youth online.

Phone Ban in Schools

Cem Özdemir proposes a radical solution involving a ban on using mobile devices in educational institutions.

Combating Antisemitism

Local leaders demand stricter criminal sanctions for manifestations of hatred on religious and ethnic grounds.

During the Conference of Minister-Presidents (MPK) in March 2026, the heads of government of German states engaged in a broad discussion on the digital safety of young citizens. The main point of the talks became the issue of introducing statutory age restrictions for access to social media platforms. Mario Voigt, the Minister-President of Thuringia, called for developing a common line that would allow for effective enforcement of the protection of children and youth online. Politicians point out that current age verification mechanisms are insufficient, leading to teenagers circumventing safeguards. Media reports describe a phenomenon where thirteen-year-olds use makeup to trick artificial intelligence systems that recognize age based on facial features. Parallel to actions at the national level, a European Union expert group chaired by a scientist from Ulm inaugurated its work. This team is to develop specific guidelines regarding potential bans or restrictions across the entire Community. In Germany, however, this proposal is controversial; polls indicate that the majority of society opposes a radical ban on social media use for persons under the age of 16. Among politicians, proposals concerning schools have also been made. Cem Özdemir, aspiring to become the Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg, announced that in the event of an electoral victory, he would order a complete ban on mobile phone use in all educational institutions in that state for the digital well-being of students. The debate on digital platform regulations in Europe intensified after the Digital Services Act (DSA) came into force, which imposes an obligation on tech giants to actively counteract threats to the mental health of minors.In addition to youth protection issues, state premiers are pushing for harsher penalties for spreading hate online, with particular emphasis on antisemitic content. The proposed changes are intended to facilitate the prosecution of perpetrators and increase criminal liability for such offenses. Among the postulates, voices concerning safety in public transport also emerged, including calls to equip railway staff with personal cameras (bodycams). This debate shows that German federal states are striving for a comprehensive security reform, combining the digital sphere with the physical protection of citizens in public spaces and the protection of child influencers' privacy.

Mentioned People

  • Mario Voigt — Minister-President of Thuringia advocating for a coherent line on protecting children online.
  • Cem Özdemir — Federal Minister of Agriculture and candidate for Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg.