(de-news.net) – Federal Education and Family Minister Karin Prien (CDU) has strongly advocated for effective age verification mechanisms to regulate access to social media. She expressed concern over minors’ exposure to violent, pornographic, and extremist content online, suggesting that effective regulation was imperative for youth protection. Prien had reiterated this position during the Republica digital conference and firmly rejected allegations, particularly from FDP Vice Chair Wolfgang Kubicki, that her stance threatened freedom of speech. She emphasized that her objective was child safety, not censorship.
Simultaneously, the Federal Government’s Commissioner for Abuse Issues, Claudia Claus, has also underscored the importance of stringent age control in digital spaces. She characterized this as a key element in safeguarding children and adolescents online. Claus contended that technological solutions alone were insufficient, stressing the active role parents must play in supervising their children’s internet activities. Prompted by the revelation of the ‘White Tiger’ case – an incident involving a network of perpetrators allegedly coercing children into self-harm, ultimately resulting in suicides, Claus called on legislators to act. The case, which involved a 20-year-old from Hamburg associated with sadistic, satanic, and pedocriminal content online, highlighted the challenges of law enforcement in digital contexts. Claus noted the use of platforms such as Telegram, Instagram, and Discord by perpetrators to manipulate vulnerable minors.
Schleswig-Holstein’s Minister-President Daniel Günther (CDU) called for imposing a ban on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook for individuals under 16, citing the state’s neglected protective role and the urgent need for a societal shift. Günther’s party in the federal state submitted a motion calling for stricter regulation and a nationwide prohibition of social media access for minors, to be decided on 17 June. Günther emphasized the harmful impact of unregulated platforms, including exposure to violence, sexualized content, and misinformation, claiming that children are overwhelmed and parents lack oversight.
In contrast, Bavaria’s Minister President Markus Söder (CSU) dismissed proposed restrictions on social media use for minors as unrealistic and counterproductive. He argued that such bans would only increase the allure of platforms like TikTok and Instagram among youth. Instead, Söder advocated for strengthened media literacy and emphasized parental responsibility. He indicated that Bavaria would not support federal regulatory proposals and referenced plans for a commission of experts outlined in the coalition agreement between the CDU/CSU and SPD.
