The German conservative bloc CDU/CSU has put forward an initiative for strict regulation of teenagers' access to popular online platforms to protect their mental health. Politicians propose introducing mandatory age verification to limit the negative impact of social media algorithms on minors. This is reported by Bloomberg, writes UNN.
Details
According to the proposal of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's party, social networks must introduce effective verification mechanisms that would prevent children younger than a certain age threshold from registering. The CDU emphasizes that modern platforms contribute to the spread of disinformation, cyberbullying, and cause addiction, which requires decisive legislative steps at the state level.
We can no longer stand by and watch algorithms manipulate the minds of our children unchecked. Protecting young people in the digital space must become as much a priority as safety on the streets
Impact on tech giants and future regulation
The new initiative could force companies like Meta, TikTok, and X to significantly revise their operating rules in the German market. Although critics fear restrictions on digital freedoms, supporters of the bill point to the experience of other countries where similar measures have already helped reduce anxiety levels among teenagers.
The German government plans to thoroughly work out the technical aspects of age verification to ensure a balance between security and user data privacy.
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