Overview
- Berlin says the proposal is under formal review with no law enacted, framing the effort as a “protected disconnection” policy priority.
- Digital Affairs Minister Karsten Wildberger backs restricting access for minors, citing research on cognitive, emotional and mental-health harms.
- An INSA survey reports about 60% public support for blocking social-media use by under-16s, with roughly a quarter opposed.
- A child and youth protection commission is drafting options on age thresholds, verification and platform responsibilities, with findings due mid-2026.
- Australia recently implemented an under-16 ban requiring age checks and removal of underage accounts, offering a reference model for German deliberations.