Bulgaria's Parliament Pushes Social Media Ban for Under‑16s Amid Fears Over German Defense Investments

The GERB‑SDS faction has introduced a bill in the Bulgarian Parliament that would prohibit children under 16 from accessing social networking sites. The proposal also imposes a nightly internet curfew for 16‑ to 18‑year‑olds and mandates an age‑verification app, with fines starting at €50,000 for violations. Deputy Kostadin Angelov warned that “the internet is not a playground for children,” citing concerns over addiction, depression and “social autism.”

At the same time, opposition figures warned that the government’s priorities could drive away major German investors. Co‑chairman of the “Yes, Bulgaria” movement Ivo Mirchev said Bulgaria risks losing the Rheinmetall ammunition plant project, adding that the loss of German firms like Bosch signals a broader “sabotage” of the country’s defence supply chain and NATO commitments.