Germany proposes social‑media rules akin to gambling regulations

German officials are urging a ban or strict limitation on social‑media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok for children and teenagers, arguing that the addictive scrolling mechanisms resemble those of gambling machines. A recent Forsa survey commissioned by the KKH in Hannover found that nine out of ten German youths use social media daily, and one‑quarter exhibit risky or pathological usage patterns.

The Union and SPD have called for a “light” version of the platforms for users under 16, stripping away the algorithmic feeds that drive compulsive engagement. Advocates say such measures could curb rising rates of eating disorders, depression, anxiety and the spread of extremist “alpha‑male” influencers among young people. If Germany leads the way, other EU states may follow, potentially forcing global platforms to redesign their services for the European market despite industry resistance.