Stuttgart – Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) has formally adopted a proposal to introduce a minimum age of 14 for access to social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The move, driven by concerns over the impact of social media on young people, marks a significant step towards greater regulation of the digital space. CDU leader Daniel Günther hailed the decision as a crucial step in protecting children and adolescents from the potential harms associated with these platforms, particularly the algorithms employed by tech companies.
The resolution, passed at the CDU’s party conference in Stuttgart on Saturday, February 21, 2026, calls on the German federal government to enact legislation establishing the age limit. Beyond the 14-year-old threshold, the CDU also seeks to establish specific protections for individuals up to the age of 16, recognizing their heightened vulnerability in the digital realm. This push for increased regulation comes amid growing anxieties about exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, and the psychological effects of social media on young users.
From Schleswig-Holstein to National Debate
The initiative originated with the CDU branch in Schleswig-Holstein, led by Minister President Daniel Günther. Initially, the proposal advocated for a stricter age limit of 16, alongside a broader set of demands. However, after review by a party commission, a revised text focusing on the age of 14 was recommended for adoption. Günther emphasized that securing a vote on the matter at the federal party conference, rather than deferring it to internal committees, was a key victory. He stated, “There must be clear rules and restrictions on platforms vis-à-vis children and young people up to the age of 16; a complete ban should apply up to the age of 14. We will do everything we can to implement these measures for child and youth protection as quickly as possible.”
The proposal isn’t without broader ambitions. The original North-CDU motion also included calls for mandatory real-name verification on platforms to combat hate speech, stricter regulation of algorithms that may promote radicalization, and a tax on large digital platforms to support quality journalism. While these additional demands were referred to federal committees and the CDU/CSU parliamentary group for further consideration, they signal a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges posed by social media. Günther pointed out that a significant portion of advertising revenue currently flows to international platforms that do not contribute to the funding of German journalism. Zeit.de reports on the details of the resolution.
Mixed Reactions and Next Steps
The move has garnered some support from within the governing coalition, with similar proposals already emerging from the Social Democratic Party (SPD). However, the SPD and the Left Party have voiced opposition to a complete ban, suggesting alternative approaches to address the issue. The debate highlights the complex considerations surrounding social media regulation, balancing concerns about child protection with principles of freedom of expression and access to information.
Günther underscored the urgency of the situation, citing growing concerns about the mental health of young people. He argued that parents are often overwhelmed and unable to adequately monitor their children’s online activities, necessitating state intervention. NDR reports that Günther believes children are increasingly burdened by exposure to violent content from a young age, starting as early as ten or eleven years old.
The CDU’s success in securing a commitment to address this issue marks a turning point in the German debate surrounding social media regulation. The next step will be for the federal government to draft and introduce legislation implementing the proposed age limit and associated protections. The process is likely to involve further discussion and negotiation with other political parties, as well as input from stakeholders in the tech industry and civil society. The outcome will have significant implications for the future of social media access and online safety for young people in Germany.
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