(de-news.net) – Federal Minister Karin Prien (CDU) has advocated for the implementation of stringent age restrictions on social media platforms, emphasizing the necessity of governmental intervention to shield minors from harmful online content. According to media reports, she underscored the risks associated with unrestricted access, which currently exposes children and adolescents to extremist ideologies, explicit material, and the glorification of violence. Prien asserted that dismissing the need for regulatory measures is misleading, as such dangers cannot be mitigated without authoritative oversight.

She further illustrated her stance by drawing parallels to existing societal safeguards, noting that minors are prohibited from entering establishments such as brothels or liquor stores. Consequently, she stressed the urgent necessity of a robust age verification system for online engagement. This position reiterates her earlier calls for action, including those articulated at the Republica online conference.

In response to criticism from FDP Vice Chairman Wolfgang Kubicki – who contended that her proposal infringes upon freedom of speech – Prien strongly refuted such claims. She characterized this critique as emblematic of a habitual reaction among certain political and media figures when confronted with specific regulatory discussions. Prien clarified that her foremost concern is the protection of young individuals rather than an attempt to curtail their ability to express themselves on digital platforms.