With Australia’s social media ban for teenagers taking effect this month, German Digital Minister Carsten Wildenberger hinted he is considering a similar move in the EU country.
“I can see a lot of merit in it,” he told the German dpa news agency in comments published on Friday.
“I regard the question of age restrictions as more than appropriate,” he said.
Australia goes up against the digital giants
Since December 10, the Australian government has required social media platforms to remove profiles of users under the age of 16 and prevent teenagers from creating new profiles.
Although the move was controversial, Australian officials say it was motivated by concerns such as cyberbullying, grooming and content harmful to mental health.
The ban applies to multiple digital platforms and global corporate giants like TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, Reddit, Instagram, Facebook, Kik, Twitch, Threads, and X.
EU Commission chief ‘inspired’ by social media ban
Social media companies and civil liberties activists have criticized the law. At the same time, the decision inspired praise in other countries, where governments are closely monitoring Canberra’s efforts to implement and enforce its new policy; This also includes its age verification system.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said she was “inspired” by the Australian ban.
Australia remains the first and only country in the world to impose such a ban.
Germany is waiting for the commission’s recommendation
Wildenberger pointed to an expert commission appointed by the German government to address child and youth protection in the digital age.
“So the question now is: How can we enable them to grow up healthy, as previous generations did without social media?” He said.
The panel, which includes academics, medical professionals and youth protection advocates, is expected to publish policy recommendations by the summer of 2025.
Those proposals are likely to cover the use of social media and could include comments on banning cellphones in schools, similar to measures already partially implemented in France.
Edited by: Louis Olofse