Chancellor Friedrich Merz criticized internet anonymity at an event in Trier and demanded real names. He warned of the dangers of artificial intelligence to free society and advocated restrictions on social media for minors.
At the Political Ash Wednesday event of the Rhineland-Palatinate CDU in Trier, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) called for an end to internet anonymity. "I want to see real names on the internet," said the 70-year-old. Politicians presented themselves with real names and open visors, so he expected the same from critics of the country and society. Advocates of anonymity often demanded maximum transparency from others while remaining in the shadows.
Merz emphasized the danger to free society from algorithms and artificial intelligence. He had underestimated targeted influence from inside and outside that corrodes the spirit of society. Children and youth spend up to five hours daily on social media, fostering personality deficits. Enemies of freedom and democracy were responsible.
In the podcast "Machtwechsel," Merz expressed openness to a social media ban for minors. He showed sympathy for a CDU motion from Schleswig-Holstein setting the minimum age at 16 with age verification, and for an SPD proposal excluding those under 14. "I think we will approach this topic," he said. Similar regulations are being considered in countries like France, the UK, and Spain; the German government is awaiting proposals from a commission in the Family Ministry.
SPD co-chair Lars Klingbeil supported clear rules. Culture Minister Weimer advocated banning platforms' access to children and controlling age verification. Rhineland-Palatinate government spokesperson Andrea Bähner called for using the EU app for secure verification and sanctions. AfD spokesperson Ruben Rupp criticized the proposals as bureaucratic and harmful to youth self-responsibility.
Additionally, ahead of the CDU party congress, Merz called for more willingness to perform and "cheerfulness at work" to preserve prosperity.
