The Union faction in the Bundestag has expressed approval regarding the EU’s plans to set a minimum age of 13 for social media use. Vice faction leader Anja Weisgerber commented that the protection of children and adolescents against online risks must be vigorously pursued, noting the European Commission’s inclusion of child and youth protection on its agenda as a vital sign.
However, significant questions remain concerning the regulations for children under 13 and for the 13-to-15 age group, particularly regarding implementation, consistent enforcement, and jurisdictional responsibilities. Weisgerber stated clearly, “What is certain for us is this: as long as there is no EU-wide regulation, we must act as national legislators.” The CDU/CSU parliamentary group intends to continue advocating for a risk-based protection concept that features differentiated age limits.
Anne König, the Union’s family policy spokesperson, told the newspaper that the planned “EU Kids Act” signals that the European Commission recognizes the necessity of prioritizing child and youth protection over the business interests of digital platforms. She argued that at the European level, the necessary leverage and standardization can be developed to not only demand but also enforce effective protective standards for young people globally.
Despite this, König stressed that adequate national measures are required to empower local authorities in member states to practically implement and enforce child and youth protection. She asserted that Brussels lacks competence in youth protection, adding that the Commission should not be making decisions about the safety of young people alongside trade deals.
While the Commission’s proposal is viewed as a first step, it leaves many questions open, including how to manage child-friendly applications and the detailed mechanisms of enforcement. For Germany, this should not be a reason to wait until new EU legislation is passed. Citing France as an example, the union calls for immediate and decisive national action to advance the protection of children and teenagers in the digital realm at the national level.
