Germany's Merz calls for real names on the internet (dpa-international.com)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for an end to online anonymity, advocating for users to post under their real names to enhance accountability and transparency in public discourse. Speaking at a conservative event in Trier, Merz emphasized that in political matters, individuals should engage openly rather than hiding behind pseudonyms. He expressed concerns that those who support anonymity often demand transparency from others while remaining concealed themselves, which he views as detrimental to liberal democracy. Merz raised alarm over the influence of algorithms and AI in orchestrating targeted information campaigns capable of swaying public opinion and eroding the foundations of a free society. Highlighting the vulnerability of children and teenagers on social media, he cautioned against allowing such platforms to endanger the fabric of society. His remarks signal a growing recognition within political circles of the significant role that AI and online behaviors play in shaping democratic processes, and the potential need for regulatory frameworks to mitigate these risks and protect democratic values.