Frauke Brosius‑Gersdorf urges independent oversight of new and social media in Germany

Frauke Brosius‑Gersdorf, a former law professor and the most prominent candidate who failed to secure a seat on Germany’s Federal Constitutional Court, called for a state‑independent supervisory authority for new and social media. In a ZDF Heute interview she said, “Wir sollten zum Beispiel über eine staatsferne Behördenaufsicht über neue und soziale Medien nachdenken,” arguing that current gaps leave personality rights unprotected.

Brosius‑Gersdorf linked her defeat in the judicial election to alleged digital and AI‑driven campaigns by various actors, which she claims were amplified by outlets such as Nius and Junge Freiheit. She also demanded a reversal of the 2015 reform that removed the judge‑election committee, insisting that the committee should again decide on constitutional judges. Her statements have reignited debate over media regulation and the influence of online disinformation on political processes in Germany.