Bitkom

Munich – November 12, 2026 -- Some 48 percent of internet users aged 16 to 29 already buy products through social networks, according to a Bitkom study cited as the Bavarian Regulatory Authority for New Media (BLM) opened its Forum Medienpädagogik conference in Munich today.

Influencers present products in Reels and Stories that are often barely distinguishable from personal recommendations. The conference examines how these purchase incentives affect children and teenagers, and which skills they need to handle them independently.

BLM President Schmiege calls for binding rules on youth consumer manipulation

BLM President Thorsten Schmiege wants media education and consumer education to be combined more closely, so young people can recognize commercial interests. He also called for clear rules against companies that use mechanisms to manipulate young people's buying behavior, beyond media literacy efforts alone.

Berlin – October 30, 2026 -- All 34 digital health application (DiGA) companies surveyed by Bitkom report a worsening situation for manufacturers over the past two years, and 82% describe the deterioration as severe. Industry association Pharma Deutschland cited the findings in calling for reliable reimbursement and less bureaucracy for digital therapies.

Three in four manufacturers rate DiGA reimbursement as inadequate

74% of respondents consider current remuneration not or rather not appropriate relative to development, operating, evidence and approval effort. 85% see high development and approval costs as a drawback for economic viability, and 76% rate investment security as low.