Ramona Pop, chair of the German Consumers’ Association (Verbraucherzentrale Bundesverband, VZBV), warned against relying solely on rigid age limits in a discussion about a social‑media ban. “A ban that uses strict age restrictions is not a cure‑all. I am concerned that the current debate will ultimately leave only the age limit behind” she told the “Rheinische Post” on Saturday. “That is far from sufficient, and as Australia shows, age limits can be easily bypassed”.
Pop called for additional measures. “We urge platforms to be compelled to change their harmful business models” she said. “This applies not only to social media like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, but to many other services that use targeted techniques to attract both minors and adults”. She cited features such as endless scrolling and autoplay videos that make it hard for users to stop using the app, as well as manipulative tactics combined with potentially dangerous content.
“They are particularly risky” Pop noted. “Content from so‑called health experts who give diet tips can push girls toward eating disorders or anorexia. There are also indications that AI‑driven recommendations for meals and diet plans are not always health‑sound and can have a negative reinforcing effect”. She warned that consumer protection legislation is needed to regulate such content. “We must create secure default settings that protect everyone” she insisted.
