Germany's consumer chief demands tougher social media safeguards for users
Ramona Pop, head of Germany's consumer protection federation VZBV, has called for stricter rules on social media platforms. She argues that current safeguards fail to protect users—especially from harmful content like diet advice and AI-driven recommendations. Pop insists that relying on age restrictions alone will not solve the problem.
Pop warned that posts from unqualified health influencers pose serious risks. Their diet tips, she explained, can push users toward eating disorders or anorexia. The issue grows worse with AI-generated food recommendations, which often lack proper nutritional grounding and may reinforce unhealthy habits.
She also criticised platforms for using addictive features like endless scrolling and autoplay videos. These mechanisms, she noted, deliberately hook both minors and adults. Age restrictions, in her view, are too easy to bypass—citing Australia's struggles with enforcement. Instead of focusing only on bans, Pop urged lawmakers to overhaul the business models of social media companies. Default safety settings, she argued, should be mandatory to shield all users from harm. Her organisation, representing 179 German consumer groups, backs these demands for stronger consumer protection.
Pop's proposals target both content and platform design. Stricter default settings and reformed business practices could limit exposure to dangerous material. The push for regulation reflects growing concerns over social media's impact on health and behaviour.
