Overview

• CDU general secretary Carsten Linnemann said he is open to discussing a prohibition on social media use for children and adolescents up to age 16.
• Union parliamentary leader Jens Spahn endorsed a 16-year age threshold and likened TikTok’s effect on the brain to heroin based on neuroscientists’ assessments.
• CSU leader Markus Söder opposes fixed age limits, underscoring differences within the conservative bloc.
• Politicians stressed that implementation would be difficult and that no bill is on the table, pointing instead to a broader debate and expert review.
• Australia has enacted an under‑16 ban and given platforms until December 10 to prevent new underage sign-ups, providing a live policy reference.