Full Support from Germany for the European Union's Social Media Ban Plan
German Education and Family Minister Karin Prien announced that they welcome the social media bans and new regulations announced by the EU Commission to protect children.
German Education and Family Minister Karin Prien expressed strong support for the European Commission's legislative initiative aimed at protecting children and adolescents on popular social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
EU Commission's Initiative
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced in a statement at the European Parliament that a social media ban would be introduced for children under the age of 13. Within this scope, parent-supervised accounts are planned to be established for individuals between the ages of 13 and 15.
Statements from Germany
German Education and Family Minister Karin Prien stated in a television program she attended that this proposal completely aligns with their own policies. Prien noted that they will work in close cooperation with the EU Commission to implement the plans swiftly.
Rules According to Age Groups
According to the new plans, for adolescent groups between the ages of 15 and 18, platforms will be required to make their designs and settings completely safe. Minister Prien emphasized that it is essential for platforms to assume much more responsibility during this process.
Germany's National Steps
Minister Karin Prien stated that a transitional regulation specific to Germany will be prepared in the coming weeks and months, and that the fundamental principles on this issue will be presented to the public in October. She also reminded that children under the age of 3 should definitely not spend time in front of screens.
Supervision and Sanctions
It was stated that a strict age verification mechanism must be established so that age limits can be applied in practice. It was expressed that it is essential to impose deterrent sanctions on social media platforms that fail to comply with the rules.