News Overview 2026

The new transparency requirements of the European AI Act have been in effect since August 2, 2026. They establish binding guidelines for handling certain AI-generated content. Contrary to popular belief, however, not every AI-generated image, video, or text will automatically have to be labeled with a visible notice in the future. Instead, the regulations vary depending on the type of content and who develops or uses the AI. We explain the implications of the new transparency requirements and what users need to be aware of.

“But everyone else has one, too!”—Parents are probably all too familiar with this argument. But at what age should children get their first cell phone? Many parents use the transition from elementary school to middle school as an opportunity to give their children their own smartphone. How can parents tell if their child is ready for a smartphone? And is a smartwatch a good alternative? We answer the most important questions parents have about “smartphones in children’s hands.”

Computers, tablets and smartphones are usually used more intensively than usual during the vacations. However, this doesn't have to be a negative thing, as you can also work creatively with these devices. Which camera setting is the right one? How do you edit radio plays? And how do you animate games? With the right tools and information pages, children can quickly learn the most important tricks for working creatively with media. This makes the supposedly boring vacation time fly by. This not only offers added value for their own media experience. It also enables an informed and critical examination of media content. klicksafe presents recommended offers.

The number of cases of sexual violence against children in Germany has risen again. The most significant increase is seen in offenses involving no physical contact. These include, for example, cases of cybergrooming and sexual violence against children in messaging apps or video chats. This is according to the “Federal Overview of Sexual Offenses Against Children and Adolescents 2025,” published today by the Federal Criminal Police Office. We explain the dangers that exist online and provide you with appropriate resources to help protect children and adolescents.

First a good mood, then a guilty conscience: That’s how many young people describe scrolling through their social media feeds in the new JIMplus study. Three out of four young people say that social media distracts them from things they should actually be doing. And half of the 14- to 17-year-old respondents said that their media use leaves them with no time for rest and leisure activities. On the other hand, for 82 percent, these platforms provide important access to knowledge, and about half of the respondents reported feeling understood there. The latest JIMplus Study 2026 by the Media Education Research Network Southwest (mpfs) shows how adolescents experience the opportunities and stresses of digital media and what impact this has on their digital well-being.

The Special Committee on Children’s Online Safety, established by President von der Leyen, has published its report. The Special Committee was tasked with developing recommendations for ensuring that children and adolescents use the internet safely. Not least, the discussions about possible social media bans in Germany and other EU countries were certainly a reason why uniform European rules are now to be developed. We provide an overview of what the report says and whether a social media ban in Europe has now become more likely.

For several weeks now, false reports about the Vinted platform have been circulating on social media. It is alleged that child trafficking is taking place on the popular sales platform. Some videos related to these false reports have been viewed millions of times. Naturally, children and teens who use Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are also coming into contact with this disturbing content. We explain why such false reports spread so quickly and how we can help children and teens make sense of them.

Summer vacation has already begun in some federal states, and in others it is just around the corner. Over the next two months, many educators will also be focusing on preparing for the next school year. We’d like to support you in bringing the topic of “digital media safety” into schools, so we’re offering a 15% discount on all klicksafe materials and shipping costs through the end of August.

The popular messaging app WhatsApp has announced that users can now register usernames. Until now, accounts were always linked to a phone number, which was also visible to other contacts. A phone number will still be required to create a WhatsApp account. However, it will no longer be shared with other contacts if a username has been entered. We explain why this new feature provides greater security on the one hand but can lead to new problems on the other.

This year marks the 25th edition of the TOMMI Games Award. A jury of children will decide which games will receive an award. Anyone interested between the ages of eight and sixteen can apply now to serve on the jury. In addition, publishers of games, apps, and digital learning resources have until August 24 to submit their products to TOMMI.

Many of the world’s most widely used digital services—such as messaging apps, search engines, and streaming platforms—are provided by international companies based outside the European Union. For many people, these services are part of everyday life. Often, people don’t consciously look for alternatives when choosing these services. Yet there is also a wide range of options available in Europe for communication, email, navigation, and social networking. These can be of interest in terms of data protection, transparency, digital sovereignty, and the legal enforceability of user rights, among other things. We present a selection of European alternatives and highlight which services serve as practical alternatives to well-known applications.

The expert commission on “Protecting Children and Youth in the Digital World” published its recommendations today. These are intended to serve as the basis for future action by the federal government and other relevant stakeholders in the field of media protection for children and youth. The focus is on 56 recommendations designed to ensure the protection, participation, and empowerment of children and youth in the digital world. The perspectives of children and youth—such as those from the klicksafe Youth Panel—have also been incorporated into the recommendations.

With the new “Instants” feature, Instagram users can share spontaneous photos and videos directly with selected contacts. Similar to other apps that focus on quick and authentic glimpses into everyday life, this can also pose risks for children and teens. For example, there is a risk that they might reveal sensitive information or lose track of who can see their content. Parents should therefore understand how Instants works, what privacy settings are available, and what topics they should discuss with their child.

These days, photos and videos of children are quickly posted on WhatsApp, Instagram, and TikTok. Parents and grandparents love to share these often cute and funny pictures and videos with others. However, it’s easy to lose sight of the potential negative consequences. In general, it’s okay to share family moments online. However, to keep children safe, there are a few things to keep in mind. In our new flyer for parents, we explain what those are. The flyer is part of the #KinderSindKeinContent campaign, which runs through June 21, 2026.

Pictures of children often appear harmless and adorable. But many adults underestimate this: As soon as such images are posted online, they can have long-term consequences. With the #KinderSindKeinContent social media theme week from June 15 to 21, the klicksafe and SCHAU HIN! initiatives are joining forces with many partners to set an example for more child protection online.