19 Feb 2026 - 09:23
The Kabul Tribune (KT) - German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has backed calls to limit children’s access to social media, saying stricter rules are needed to protect them from fake news, online manipulation, and harmful content created using artificial intelligence.
Speaking at his conservative Christian Union (CDU) party conference, Merz questioned whether society should allow AI-generated false information and misleading videos to spread freely online. He warned that such content could harm society, especially young people, noting that 14-year-olds spend an average of five and a half hours online each day.
On Friday, the CDU will discuss a proposal to ban children under 16 from using platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Similar measures have been supported by Merz’s coalition partners, the centre-left Social Democrats.
Several European countries, including Spain, Greece, France, and Britain, are also considering restrictions on children’s social media use. Last year, Australia became the first country to force platforms to block access for children.
Merz admitted that two years ago he might have thought differently, but he underestimated the influence of algorithms, AI, and targeted online manipulation, particularly from abroad. He also rejected the idea that children should simply be introduced to social media gradually, comparing it to teaching six-year-olds to drink alcohol.
With support from both parties in the coalition, it is becoming more likely that the federal government will seek nationwide restrictions. However, under Germany’s federal system, media regulation is handled by individual states, which must agree on common rules.
The German government has already appointed a special commission to study ways to protect children online. Its report is expected later this year.
