Restrict social media access when law violations occur

Wanting a legislation-friendly online environment, the Greens in Lower Saxony, Germany, at a Brussels retreat, proposed an aggressive stance against social media platforms flouting European law. In a position paper, they seek clarity over digital standards, aiming to curb the digital wild west zones.

"Algorithms call for accountability rather than an untamed wilderness," said Green faction leader Detlev Schulz-Hendel. The proclamation of this stance is crucial for EU's democratic security. "Consequently, Greens urge transparency in algorithms, effective monitoring of disinformation, and sanctions for law violations," Schulz-Hendel added.

Bracing for collaboration with the EU tech titans

Refusing to cooperate with the EU or member state authorities should lead to platform shutdowns, asserts the faction leader. "Providers unwilling to work with authorities and neglect to tackle organized crime and terrorist groups face severe repercussions, such as a continent-wide blackout," Schulz-Hendel warned.

The Green politico banked on the EU's collective strength. "Indeed, we have the power to confront the tech giants, many of whom try evading state oversight," he affirmed.

The state government's response was guarded. A spokesperson considered a Europe-wide shutdown an "extreme demand," pointing out its feasibility concerns. Algorithmic promotion of hatred and incitement is a point of concern for the state government as well. They believe action should be coordinated at the European level.

Greens advocate for age 14 minimum for social media

The Greens propose backing socially-oriented alternatives to commercial platforms and continuing discussions about offering social networks in a public-service model. "It's prudent to discuss whether social networks can be provided in a publicly-funded capacity," said Schulz-Hendel.

In terms of young people using social media, the Greens advocate for a minimum age of 14. Schools should discuss the pros and cons of social media as part of their curriculum to ensure students are aware of both opportunities and pitfalls from an early age. However, the Greens oppose a school-wide ban on mobile devices.

Internet Greens
Europe
Lower Saxony
Digital Services Act (DSA)
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Telecommunications Act (TKG)
Network Enforcement Act (NetzDG)

Enrichment Insights:

Social media platforms that do not comply with the European Digital Services Act (DSA) could face fines equivalent to up to 6% of their global turnover and risk being shut down in the entire European Union, provided the violations are severe. The GDPR imposes strict data protection rules, imposing fines of up to €20 million or 4% of the company's global turnover for non-compliance. The German Network Enforcement Act (NetzDG) requires social media platforms to remove illegal content within a specified timeframe, with failure to comply resulting in fines of up to €50 million. The Digital Services Act (DSA) allows for severe measures, which could, theoretically, result in Europe-wide shutdowns but only in extreme scenarios.

The Greens in Lower Saxony, Germany, have proposed a firm stance against social media platforms violating European law, particularly the Digital Services Act (DSA), which could lead to continent-wide shutdowns for severe violations.
Green party leader Detlev Schulz-Hendel believes that the EU has the power to confront tech giants, despite their attempts to evade state oversight, and strongly urges transparency in algorithms, effective monitoring of disinformation, and sanctions for law violations.
In addition to their stance on social media law violations, the Greens also advocate for socially-oriented alternatives to commercial platforms, discussions about providing social networks in a public-service model, and a minimum age of 14 for social media usage, with schools incorporating social media education into their curriculum.