Call for Bodycams on Trains and Review of Fuel Prices - German states demand action on soaring fuel prices and stricter social media rules
German state leaders have united to push for stricter rules on social media and action against soaring fuel prices. At a recent meeting, premiers backed measures like age restrictions for platforms and stronger oversight of petrol costs. The proposals come as fuel prices spike and concerns grow over online safety for young users.
Fuel prices have climbed sharply in recent days. On Monday, Super E10 reached 1.839 €/litre—a 6.1-cent jump from Friday and the highest since May 2024. In Stuttgart, some stations charged over 2 €/litre on Tuesday, while diesel hit 1.816 €/litre, up 7 cents and the highest since October 2023. Despite these increases, Federal Economics Minister Katherina Reiche ruled out a social security price cap.
State premiers demanded urgent action. Rhineland-Palatinate's Alexander Schweitzer called for stricter competition law enforcement, while Saxony's Michael Kretschmer urged the cartel office to step in. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania's Manuela Schwesig even threatened to raise commuter allowances if prices stay high.
On digital safety, leaders supported an expert commission to review child and youth protection online. The SPD proposed a 14-year minimum age for social media, with youth-specific platform versions for under-16s. The CDU also backed a 14-year threshold.
Other safety measures included mandatory photo IDs for the Germany Ticket to cut aggression on public transport. Premiers also approved body cameras with audio recording for rail staff.
The proposals now face further discussion, with state leaders pressing for both digital safeguards and fuel prices near me reforms. If adopted, the measures could reshape social media access for minors and increase oversight of petrol pricing. No immediate federal response on fuel costs has been announced.
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