Germans demand stronger social media protections for young users
A new survey has revealed widespread concern over the safety of young social media users in Germany. Conducted by Forsa, the poll found that 76 percent of adults believe current protections for children and teenagers fall short. The findings have prompted calls for stricter regulations from consumer rights groups. The Forsa survey, commissioned by the Verbraucherzentralen-Bundesverband (VZBV), took place between February 10 and 12. It included responses from 1,002 adults aged 18 and older. Only 18 percent of those surveyed felt that existing safeguards for young users were adequate.
Ramona Pop, executive director of the VZBV, has urged platforms to take immediate action. She argues that social media should be designed to prevent addiction risks while still allowing minors to access them safely. One key demand is for legally binding default settings that prioritise user safety and fairness. Pop also proposes mandatory age verification for certain features. Under her plan, only verified adults could unlock specific functions after proving their age. This approach aims to create a safer environment without excluding younger users entirely.
The survey highlights deep public concern over online safety for minors. The VZBV's proposals focus on default protections and age-gated features. So far, major platforms have not publicly addressed these specific demands.
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