Former German chancellor Angela Merkel tells the EU to keep regulating social media and artificial intelligence, saying the “foundations of democracy” depend on holding information distributors accountable. Speaking after accepting an award at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Merkel argues that abandoning regulation would allow misinformation to spread without consequences. She urges the EU to “continue along the path of regulating social media” and to “continue along the path of regulating artificial intelligence,” warning that the belief that responsibility is no longer needed—because actors would not be held to account for lies—would weaken democratic safeguards.
Merkel’s remarks come as the EU already has some of the world’s strictest rules for the digital sector and is considering further measures, including the possibility of restricting social media access for younger users. The comments align with broader EU efforts to address online harms and strengthen oversight of AI and information systems. Merkel, who served as Germany’s chancellor from 2005 to 2021, made her call while accepting recognition as one of multiple recipients of a newly created European Order of Merit.
