Germany's consumer chief demands tougher social media safety rules for users
Ramona Pop, head of Germany's Federation of Consumer Organisations (VZBV), has called for stricter controls on social media platforms. She argues that current safety measures fail to protect users, especially young people, from harmful content and addictive design features.
Pop criticised platforms for using targeted tactics like endless scrolling and autoplay videos to keep users engaged. These mechanisms, she warned, hook both minors and adults, making it harder to disconnect. She also highlighted the risks of AI-generated food and diet advice, which often lacks scientific backing and can reinforce unhealthy habits.
Age restrictions alone, she argued, are not enough. Pointing to Australia's experience, Pop noted that such limits are easily bypassed and do little to shield vulnerable users. Instead, she pushed for default safety settings and a complete overhaul of social media business models. The VZBV director singled out posts from unqualified health influencers as particularly dangerous. These accounts, she explained, often promote extreme diet tips that can trigger eating disorders or worsen anorexia. Pop stressed that platforms must take responsibility for the content they amplify.
Pop's demands include mandatory safety defaults and stronger regulation of platform algorithms. She insists that without systemic changes, users will remain exposed to manipulative design and harmful advice. The call comes as consumer groups push for broader reforms in how social media operates.
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