Stuttgart, Germany – Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is poised to debate and likely adopt measures restricting social media access for children and young people, according to CDU General Secretary Carsten Linnemann. The discussion is expected to be a central theme at the party’s two-day conference beginning Friday in Stuttgart, coinciding with the anticipated re-election of Friedrich Merz as party chairman. This move reflects a growing concern within the CDU regarding the impact of social media on the well-being of young Germans.
Linnemann indicated a clear trend toward supporting age restrictions, stating that while an open debate is expected, the party is leaning towards implementing such limitations. The specific age threshold remains to be determined. This comes as part of a broader effort by the CDU to address societal challenges and present itself as a party focused on family values, particularly in the lead-up to several key state elections throughout 2026. Manuel Hagel, the CDU leader in Baden-Württemberg, emphasized the importance of the party tackling the issue, referencing his own experience as a father.
Growing Concerns Over Social Media’s Impact
The debate surrounding social media access for minors is gaining momentum in Germany, with Chancellor Friedrich Merz also voicing support for potential restrictions, including outright bans for younger users. A proposal from the CDU’s Schleswig-Holstein branch suggests setting the minimum age for platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Facebook at 16, coupled with mandatory age verification processes. This proposal underscores the increasing anxieties surrounding the potential negative effects of social media on young people’s mental health and development.
Concerns center around issues like loneliness, depression, and the influence of large technology companies. Hagel specifically noted that children are “in the clutches of four large tech corporations,” highlighting a perceived power imbalance and the potential for exploitation. These concerns are not unique to Germany; globally, policymakers and parents are grappling with how to balance the benefits of social connection with the risks to children’s well-being.
CDU Conference and Upcoming Elections
The CDU’s federal party conference in Stuttgart is taking place under the banner of “Bound by Responsibility,” signaling a focus on addressing pressing issues rather than pursuing ambitious modern policies. The timing of the conference is strategically aligned with upcoming state elections, including one in Baden-Württemberg just two weeks after the event. Four additional states will hold elections before the end of September, providing the CDU with opportunities to gauge public sentiment and potentially gain ground. Currently, the CDU and its Bavarian sister party, the CSU, are polling below expectations, having received 28.5% of the vote in the February 2025 federal election, a figure that has since dropped to 26% in recent polls by Infratest dimap.
The conference is seen as a crucial moment for the CDU to demonstrate its readiness for reform and capitalize on a potential “chancellor bonus” – a boost in support often experienced by a party after forming a government. Friedrich Merz became Chancellor in May 2025, marking a return to power for the center-right bloc after a period in opposition. The party is hoping to leverage this position to address key policy areas and regain public trust.
Carsten Linnemann’s Role and Background
Carsten Linnemann, as General Secretary of the CDU, is playing a central role in shaping the party’s agenda and navigating these challenges. He assumed the position in an acting capacity in July 2023 and officially took over in May 2024, retaining the role despite a government reshuffle in 2025. Linnemann has been a member of the Bundestag, representing Paderborn in North Rhine-Westphalia, since 2009.
Prior to his role as General Secretary, Linnemann served as one of five deputy chairs of the CDU from 2022, under the leadership of Friedrich Merz. He also chaired the Mittelstands- und Wirtschaftsunion (MIT), the pro-business wing of the CDU/CSU, from 2013 to 2021. His background includes experience as an economist, having worked at Deutsche Bank and IKB Deutsche Industriebank, focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises. Born on August 10, 1977, in Paderborn, Linnemann brings a blend of political experience and economic expertise to his current position.
The Broader Debate on Social Media Regulation
Germany is not alone in grappling with the complexities of regulating social media. Across Europe and globally, governments are considering various approaches, from age verification requirements to stricter content moderation policies. The debate often centers on balancing freedom of expression with the need to protect vulnerable users, particularly children and adolescents. The potential for social media to contribute to mental health issues, cyberbullying, and the spread of misinformation has fueled calls for greater regulation.
Age verification, though, presents significant technical and privacy challenges. Establishing reliable methods to confirm users’ ages without collecting excessive personal data is a key hurdle. Concerns have been raised about the potential for circumvention, as tech-savvy young people may find ways to bypass age restrictions. The effectiveness of any regulatory framework will depend on addressing these challenges and ensuring that This proves both enforceable and respectful of individual rights.
Potential Approaches to Age Verification
Several methods for age verification are being explored, including:
- Database Checks: Utilizing existing government databases to verify age, raising privacy concerns.
- Digital Identity Solutions: Implementing secure digital identity systems, requiring significant infrastructure investment.
- Parental Consent: Requiring parental consent for users under a certain age, potentially limiting access for some.
- Biometric Data: Using biometric data for verification, raising serious privacy and security risks.
Each approach has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the optimal solution may involve a combination of methods. The CDU’s proposal for mandatory age verification will likely spark further debate on these issues as the party conference unfolds.
The CDU’s stance on social media regulation reflects a broader trend among conservative parties in Europe to prioritize family values and address concerns about the impact of technology on society. As the party prepares to discuss these issues in Stuttgart, the outcome could have significant implications for the future of social media regulation in Germany and beyond. The conference will be closely watched by policymakers, tech companies, and parents alike, as they seek to understand how Germany will navigate the challenges of the digital age.
The next key event will be the conclusion of the CDU party conference on February 21st, where a final decision on the proposed social media restrictions is expected. Stay tuned to World Today Journal for continued coverage of this developing story.
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