Overview
- The CDU/CSU published a positions paper this week calling for binding, variable age limits set by platform risk, a role for the Federal Centre for Child and Youth Media Protection to raise age ratings, and fines in the millions to hold operators legally responsible.
- The proposal would target 'addictive' features such as endless feeds, autoplay and personalized recommendation algorithms by limiting access or requiring platforms to deactivate those functions for younger users.
- The plan relies on electronic ID technology and the planned EUDI‑Wallet for age verification, a step observers warn is technically and data‑protection sensitive and difficult to implement reliably.
- Opponents are split: the SPD and some parent and medical groups press for blanket minimum ages up to 16, while ethics bodies, schools and a coalition of child and parent organisations favour media education, targeted oversight and proportionate measures instead of sweeping bans.
- An expert commission will publish recommendations on Wednesday, June 24, and lawmakers say those findings will shape proposed legislation this autumn and determine how national rules interact with the EU's Digital Services Act.