Chancellor Friedrich Merz supports restricting minors' access to social media

Chancellor Friedrich Merz has officially joined the growing number of politicians demanding strict regulation of social media access for the youngest. Speaking on the podcast "Machtwechsel," the CDU politician admitted that while he is usually skeptical of top-down bans, evidence of the negative impact of excessive screen time convinced him to change his mind. Merz pointed out that children spending five hours a day on platforms like TikTok or Instagram are at risk of personality deficits and serious problems in social relationships. The Chancellor also emphasized the threat posed by the deliberate spread of fake news and algorithmic manipulations that undermine the democratic process. The proposal to ban or restrict access for those under 16 years of age is, however, highly controversial within the German coalition and among experts. While the Greens signal readiness for talks, provided youth are included in the decision-making process, Bavarian Digital Minister Fabian Mehring of the Free Voters party firmly opposes such a solution. Mehring argues that bans will not solve problems, and the key should be building digital competencies instead of creating a "protective cocoon." Meanwhile, the opposition SPD suggests even stricter rules, including a total ban for children under 14 years of age and a requirement to provide only age-appropriate, safe content for the 14–16 age group. German youth protection law (Jugendschutzgesetz) has regulated access to games and films for years, but the dynamic development of algorithms personalizing content on social media sets a precedent that forces amendments to regulations at the EU and national levels. An important element of the announced changes is the postulate to introduce an obligation to use real names online (Klarnamenpflicht). Merz argues that the state must know who is speaking in the public debate to effectively combat anonymous hate. Critics, however, point out that implementing such solutions, requiring the use of the European Digital Identity Wallet (EUDI), may violate the right to privacy and freedom of speech. At the same time, the United Kingdom announces drastic financial penalties for platforms that do not remove intimate content shared without consent within 48 hours. „If 14-year-old children spend five or more hours a day in front of a screen today, we should not be surprised by problems in their social behavior.” — Friedrich Merz Both supporters and opponents of the changes agree that introducing age limits alone will not be sufficient without effective age verification mechanisms. Examples from other countries show that young people often bypass technological blocks, casting doubt on the real effectiveness of new regulations. Support for age limits in social media: Merz (CDU): 16, SPD (proposal): 14, Bavaria (Mehring): 0, United Kingdom (model): 13 10% — of global turnover could be the penalty for platforms in the United Kingdom Liberal-leaning media emphasize threats to privacy and freedom of speech, highlighting the need for media education instead of rigid bans. | Conservative editorial offices focus on protecting family values, fighting anonymous hate, and the necessity of restoring state control over the internet.