(de-news.net) – Germany’s Federal Cabinet has advanced measures to strengthen online protections for children and teenagers as efforts to establish uniform European Union rules continue. The proposed framework, presented by Family Minister Karin Prien (CDU), includes four legislative and eight non-legislative initiatives designed to protect young users while preserving their ability to participate in digital life.

Under the proposed nationwide transitional arrangement, children younger than 13 would generally be prohibited from using social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. Exceptions would be permitted for services demonstrably designed to be appropriate for children, while teenagers ages 13 to 18 would face graduated restrictions. However, the cabinet’s framework remains a policy outline rather than a formal legislative proposal, leaving the implementation date and specific platform requirements unresolved.

The national approach is intended to provide an interim framework while the EU considers common rules. Germany also plans to advocate for a minimum social media age of 13 across the bloc, restrictions on platform designs that encourage addictive behavior, and recommendation algorithms that are disabled by default. Although the European Commission presented related proposals in September, reaching agreement among EU member states and lawmakers could take considerable time.

Beyond access restrictions, the proposed legislation would explicitly incorporate digital media literacy into child and youth welfare provisions. Amendments to the Civil Code would also clarify that parental supervision responsibilities extend to children’s media use, reflecting the role digital platforms play in young people’s everyday lives.

Digital literacy and age verification form part of broader plan

Among the eight non-legislative initiatives is a voluntary digital age-verification system known as the EUDI Wallet “d-you,” scheduled for introduction in 2027. The system would allow users to demonstrate that they meet a specified age threshold without disclosing additional personal information. Other planned measures include an artificial intelligence literacy program, a dedicated online reporting service for children, educational campaigns for parents of preschoolers, expanded media education and counseling services, and closer cooperation among federal and state authorities and other stakeholders. Fines imposed by the EU on digital platforms could also be redirected toward media literacy initiatives.

The measures draw on 56 recommendations from an expert commission established by Prien. They represent an initial framework rather than the government’s complete strategy, with additional proposals expected as officials continue developing their approach to online child protection. The planned restrictions and educational initiatives reflect an effort to address digital risks through both regulation and greater awareness, although the details and timing of implementation remain unsettled.

Child protection advocates call for stronger action against online abuse

Separately, German child protection advocates are urging authorities and digital platforms to take more effective action against online sexual abuse. Sabine Andresen, president of the German Child Protection Association, maintains that testimony collected from more than 3,000 people over a decade must lead to concrete political and institutional changes rather than remain a record of victims’ experiences.

Andresen has highlighted the additional risks posed by artificial intelligence, including the creation of sexualized images using ordinary photographs of children. She argues that preventing such abuse cannot be left solely to children and their parents. Instead, digital platforms should be required to incorporate safeguards into their design and respond consistently to sexualized violence.

The concerns add another dimension to Germany’s broader debate over children’s online safety. Alongside proposed age restrictions and media literacy initiatives, stronger platform accountability is being presented as an essential component of efforts to protect young people from exploitation while allowing them to participate safely in digital life.