Overview
- Union parliamentary leader Jens Spahn said CDU and CSU are discussing a statutory minimum age of 16 for social‑media use but emphasized that the group is still weighing options.
- Spahn cited neuroscientific findings and likened TikTok and Instagram’s reward mechanics to heroin as a rationale for tighter youth protections.
- Thuringia’s premier Mario Voigt backed restrictions and highlighted reported online risks, including that about one in five 10‑ to 14‑year‑olds has been asked for a nude image by an adult using a fake account.
- The position is not uniform across parties or within the Union, with CSU leader Markus Söder opposing an age limit, CDU’s Thorsten Frei questioning enforceability, and Greens figure Franziska Brantner favoring a ban for under‑16s.
- The debate spilled into ARD’s Hart aber fair where a podcaster floated a provocative over‑60 ban and guests pressed for media education, platform accountability and workable age verification, as expert bodies continue to study risks and technical standards.