Politics · Germany · 12 hrs ago
German states propose a 20% recommendation quota for journalism
Germany’s state media regulators have proposed requiring platforms to recommend more journalism under a draft agreement on digital media.
The plan covers TikTok, YouTube and Instagram, whose algorithms select personalised content for users.
It would require one in every five recommendations to feature qualifying media.
The aim is to protect media diversity and democratic principles.
YouTube’s Germany chief says forcing videos into users’ feeds could weaken their trust, while public broadcaster ARD supports the proposed quota.
A public hearing on the plan ends on Friday.
Whether the quota can work or be enforced remains unresolved.
Germany’s states propose requiring TikTok, YouTube and Instagram to include journalism in their recommendations.
The draft would require one in every five recommendations to feature content from media considered important for diversity.
The states say the quota is intended to protect democratic principles, including diversity of opinion.
YouTube Germany chief Andreas Briese warns that inserting unwanted videos could undermine users’ trust.
ARD supports the quota approach, while the public consultation on the proposal is due to end on Friday.
- Who
- Germany’s states propose the quota for TikTok, YouTube and Instagram.
- What
- The draft would require one in every five recommendations to feature content from media considered important for diversity.
- When
- The article was published on November 13, 2026; the public consultation was due to end that Friday.
- Where
- Germany.
- Why
- The states say the proposal aims to protect democratic principles, including diversity of opinion.
YouTube Germany
ARD
Impact on users
YouTube Germany
Andreas Briese warns that artificially placing videos in users’ feeds when they do not want them could undermine trust.
ARD
ARD welcomes the quota approach.
Handelsblatt reported on the states’ draft reform proposal.
The public consultation on the proposal was due to end.
- Proposed quota
- One in every five recommendations
- Platforms named
- TikTok, YouTube and Instagram
- Purpose
- Protect diversity of opinion
- Consultation deadline
- Friday, November 13, 2026
What people are saying
If viewers are artificially shown videos in their feed that they do not want to watch in that situation, then that undermines trust.