Germany's social media age verification faces implementation challenges (heise.de)

• German Family Minister proposes age 13 limit for social media; experts doubt effectiveness without robust verification.
• Australian ban (16+) largely circumvented: 85% of under-16s still use platforms three months after introduction.
• Expert commission offers two options: fixed age limit with graded protection, or risk-based regulation of platform design.
• IT security and psychology experts advocate for 'safety by design' and stronger self-regulation skills in children.

"Experts warn that age limits for social media, such as the 13-year threshold proposed by German Family Minister Karin Prien, are ineffective without robust age verification. Australian data shows 85% of under-16s still use platforms after a ban. IT experts suggest focusing on platform design regulation and safety by design instead."