Politics · Germany · 3 hrs ago
Germany plans to restrict social media use by children under 13
Germany’s cabinet approved a plan to generally bar under-13s from social media on October 14.
Services shown to be suitable for children would be exempt, while teenagers aged 13 to 17 would face graduated limits.
The government says the plan is a temporary measure until EU-wide minimum-age rules are set.
The European Commission announced an EU proposal to protect children in digital spaces in September.
Germany plans to provide a digital identity app from 2027 to support reliable age checks.
The plan also calls for primary-school lessons to help children understand AI and assess its benefits and risks.
The government says these measures aim to help young people grow up safely and independently online.
Germany’s cabinet approved a policy on October 14 that would generally ban social media use by children under 13.
Services certified as suitable for children would be exempt, while users aged 13 to under 18 would face phased restrictions.
The government says the policy is intended as a temporary measure until European Union legislation sets a minimum age.
Germany plans to provide a digital identity app from 2027 to support reliable age checks.
The policy also calls for primary-school education to help children understand artificial intelligence and assess its benefits and risks.
- Who
- Germany’s government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
- What
- The cabinet approved a policy that would generally bar children under 13 from social media and introduce phased restrictions for older minors.
- When
- October 14, 2026.
- Where
- Germany.
- Why
- To protect young people online and provide a temporary national measure until minimum-age rules are set at European Union level.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The European Commission announced an EU bill to protect children in the digital space.
Germany’s cabinet approved the policy on social media use by children and young people.
The government plans to provide a digital identity app for reliable age verification.
- Under-13 rule
- Social media use generally prohibited, with an exception for services proven suitable for children
- Ages 13 to under 18
- Phased use restrictions planned
- Cabinet approval
- October 14, 2026
- Age verification
- Digital identity app planned from 2027
- School education
- Primary-school program planned to teach basic AI knowledge
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