Children and young people are growing up in a digital world in which they come into contact with online media on a daily basis. Clear rules and effective protective measures are essential to enable them to use the internet safely. The German Association for Voluntary Self-Regulation of Digital Media Service Providers (FSM e.V.) plays a central role here. We explain how the FSM shapes youth media protection and why it is so important for parents.
Who is the FSM?
The FSM is a self-regulatory body recognized by the Commission for the Protection of Minors in the Media (KJM) in the area of youth media protection. It is committed to protecting children and young people from online content that is harmful to minors and supports digital media providers in the implementation of youth protection measures. It works closely with many other institutions in the field – in Germany and internationally.
Tasks of the FSM
The FSM pursues the goal of ensuring effective youth media protection in digital offerings. Its main tasks:
- Complaints office for problematic content: Users can use the FSM complaints office to report online content that is prohibited by law or harmful to minors. This includes, for example, violent, pornographic or extremist content. The FSM examines each complaint individually and takes action in the event of violations – either by cooperating with the providers concerned or by forwarding them to the authorities. The report can be submitted via an online complaint form on the FSM website.
- Self-regulation and age classification: As a recognized self-regulator under the Interstate Treaty on the Protection of Minors in the Media (JMStV), the FSM supports companies in making their content suitable for young people. This includes, for example, the age rating of content, the development of technical youth protection solutions (e.g. youth protection programs such as JusProg) and advice on legal requirements. Digital platforms and media providers that join the FSM benefit from the opportunity to have their own protection measures tested and certified by the FSM.
- Media education and information: The FSM is committed to media education in order to inform parents, teachers and children about risks on the internet. It provides practical materials, organizes events and cooperates with initiatives such as klicksafe and fragFINN. One example is our Elternguide.online project, which offers special guides and tools for parents.
The FSM in the system of youth media protection
The FSM is part of the system of regulated self-regulation in Germany. It works closely with other self-regulatory bodies such as the USK (Entertainment Software Self-Regulation), the FSK (Voluntary Self-Regulation of the Film Industry) and the FSF (Voluntary Self-Regulation of Television). In this way, the self-regulatory bodies promote cooperation between companies, authorities and politicians for the effective protection of minors in the media.
Challenges in the digital protection of minors
The digital protection of minors is a dynamic field that constantly presents new challenges:
- New technologies: The FSM has to deal with developments such as artificial intelligence (e.g. deep fakes) or new online platforms. New media phenomena require new approaches to the protection of minors.
- Limits of self-regulation: The FSM reaches its limits when it comes to content on foreign servers. It works closely with international partners in the fight against online abuse.
Why is the FSM important for parents?
It is often difficult for parents to assess what content on the Internet is suitable for their children. The FSM offers support to ensure that youth media protection reaches families:
- Parental control programs: These help parents to restrict access to unsuitable content.
- Information services: Projects such as Elternguide.online offer practical and valuable tips on safe media use.
- Complaint options: Parents can report problematic content directly.
More information is available directly on the FSM website: www.fsm.de
