Federal Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig (SPD) has called for stronger measures to protect young people in the digital environment. Speaking on Thursday regarding the release of the VZBV Consumer Report 2026, Hubig stated, “We must do more to protect children and teenagers in digital spaces. A large majority of Germans share this view.” She noted that current rules designed to safeguard young people while using social media or playing video games are insufficient, emphasizing that “where there are real dangers, there must be clear rules.”
The SPD politician contrasted stringent rules for digital platforms with local regulations, stating that every restaurant and cinema in Germany has clear consumer protection guidelines. Hubig questioned the discrepancy, calling it problematic that “billion-dollar platforms with manipulative algorithms are treated more loosely than local pubs or excursion restaurants,” asserting that effective youth protection is required online as well.
The Minister also announced that the expert committee on children’s and youth protection online will soon present its findings, stressing that once those reports are available, “we cannot waste any time and must act quickly.”
The Consumer Report highlights strong public demand for greater protection. Specifically, 79 percent of respondents indicated that politics should protect children and young people more strongly, even if this requires tougher regulations on companies and platforms. Furthermore, the survey conducted by the opinion research institute Forsa on behalf of the VZBV revealed that an overwhelming majority (87 percent) rated the current political protection of children and young people-especially in relation to social media and online gaming-as very poor or poor.
In other areas, the public perceives shortcomings: 82 percent of respondents feel that politics does not adequately look after the protection of young people concerning finances, such as protection against debt overload. Similarly, nearly three-quarters (74 percent) believe there is a need for better consumer protection for young people in the food sector.
