Social media regulation from Germany: Ban plan for under-13s

The German government plans to ban children under 13 from using social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat, while introducing accounts for 13-to-18-year-olds that are subject to parental supervision and limited to one hour per day.

A new regulation is being prepared in Germany to protect children from the potential harms of social media. The Federal Cabinet, in a decision made in Berlin, adopted basic principles aimed at restricting access to social networks for children under the age of 13. According to the plan prepared by Federal Family Minister Karin Prien, the use of platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat by children under 13 will be banned as a rule. Only platforms proven to be suitable for children may be considered exempt.

Gradual restrictions are also envisioned for teenagers in the 13-18 age group. In line with the European Commission's proposals, special accounts created and supervised by parents can be used starting from the age of 13. It is planned to limit daily social media use to one hour on these accounts with restricted features. Thus, the time youth spend in the online environment aims to be brought under control.

The European Commission announced similar proposals in September under the name of the "EU Children's Act." However, it is considered that reaching a consensus on a common age limit and binding rules across Europe may take time. The German government aims to establish national transitional rules until a Europe-wide common regulation comes into effect.

The principles adopted by the cabinet are not yet a law in effect. The date when the regulation will be implemented and how obligations for platforms will be determined have not been announced for now. For the plan to become law, the concrete legislative process needs to be completed.