Germany considers age limits after Australian social media ban

Karsten Wildberger supports examining social media age limits in Germany after Australia became the first country to force platforms to delete profiles of users under 16.
Germany’s Digital Minister says there is merit in banning under-16s from social media, following Australia’s move to remove teenage accounts and block new sign-ups.

Digital Minister Karsten Wildberger has indicated support for stricter age limits on social media after Australia banned teenagers under 16 from using major online platforms. He said age restrictions were more than justified and that the policy had clear merit.

Australia’s new rules require companies to remove under 16 user profiles and stop new ones from being created. Officials argued that the measure aims to reduce cyberbullying, grooming and mental health harm instead of relying only on parental supervision.

The European Commission President said she was inspired by the move, although social media companies and civil liberties groups have criticised it.

Germany has already appointed an expert commission to examine child and youth protection in the digital era. The panel is expected to publish recommendations by summer 2025, which could include policies on social media access and potential restrictions on mobile phone use in schools.

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