Germany enforces stricter media rules to protect underage children

A landmark treaty now shields young users from unchecked digital exposure. How will parents—and platforms—adapt to the new rules?

, and Administrator

2025 December 1 . 5:17 PM

1 min read

In the picture we can see three boys standing near the desk on it, we can see two computer systems... — In the picture we can see three boys standing near the desk on it, we can see two computer systems towards them and one boy is talking into the microphone and they are in ID cards with red tags to it and behind them we can see a wall with an advertisement board and written on it as Russia imagine 2013.

New State Treaty on Youth Media Protection in Effect: More Control for Parents - Germany enforces stricter media rules to protect underage children

A new interstate treaty on youth media protection has come into force in Germany. The rules aim to prevent underage children from using smartphone apps without proper oversight. They also introduce stricter controls for parents to manage device usage. The revised agreement was adopted by all 16 German federal states on October 26, 2021. Negotiations took place alongside reforms to the public broadcasting treaty. The final version officially entered into force on Tuesday, December 1. The treaty strengthens oversight of youth media consumption across Germany. Parents now have clearer options to restrict app access on children's devices. The changes reflect ongoing efforts to align digital platform policies with national child protection laws.