BERLIN – Germany’s Social Democratic Party (SPD) has proposed a ban on social media use for children under 14, coupled with mandatory age verification using the forthcoming “EUDI-Wallet” digital identity application. The proposal, outlined in a policy paper, aims to address growing concerns about the impact of social media on young people.
The SPD’s plan introduces a tiered system. A complete prohibition on accessing social media platforms would be enforced for those under 14, with providers obligated to “effectively prevent access technically.” Violations by platforms would be met with “immediate orders and substantial sanctions, up to and including temporary restrictions or network shutdowns as a last resort,” according to the document.
For users aged 14 to 16, the proposal mandates a “youth version” of social media platforms. These versions would be stripped of features designed to promote addictive behavior, such as endless scrolling, autoplaying content and reward systems encouraging prolonged use. Algorithmically curated feeds and personalized content would also be prohibited. Access to these platforms would be exclusively through the EUDI-Wallet app linked to their parents’ or guardians’ digital identities.
The EUDI-Wallet, or EU Digital Identity Wallet, is designed to securely store digital versions of identification documents like national ID cards and driver’s licenses. Its use in age verification reflects a broader European effort to establish a standardized digital identity framework.
For all citizens aged 16 and over, the SPD proposes a default setting that disables algorithmic recommendation systems on digital platforms. Users wishing to receive algorithmically suggested content would need to actively opt-in. This age group would also be required to verify their age using the EUDI-Wallet before accessing social media.
The SPD frames the proposal as a “return to the classic social media principle,” where users have greater control over the content they notice. The default setting on platforms would revert to displaying content only from accounts users actively follow, rather than algorithmically curated feeds.
SPD Chairman and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil indicated a shift in his thinking on the issue. “A few years ago, we all emphasized the freedom of the net and said there should be no restrictions. But now we see in the debates that something is happening in society, that young people are coming to me and saying we need clear rules about how we deal with social networks,” Klingbeil told the German Press Agency. “We need restrictions when it comes to how we deal with social media, with the internet, and we need to make decisions now.”
The proposal has garnered some support from the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). Family Minister Karin Prien (CDU) has stated she could personally envision a ban up to a certain age, with the CDU planning to discuss the issue at its upcoming party conference.
Several countries, including Denmark, the United Kingdom, France, and Spain, are considering following Australia’s lead, which recently became the first nation to implement a general social media ban for those under 16. Australian children are now prohibited from creating their own social media accounts.
