German Churches Launch Initiative for Child-Appropriate AI Standards

On October 14, 2026, Germany’s major Protestant and Catholic church bodies, alongside the children’s media network Seitenstark, launched the initiative “KI kindgerecht!” (Child-Appropriate AI!). The coalition is calling for the implementation of a voluntary code of conduct, new quality standards, and legislative measures to protect minors interacting with artificial intelligence. The initiative aims to ensure that digital tools prioritize human dignity and child safety over purely economic interests.

Organizers stated that the project responds to 56 recommendations issued earlier this year by a federal expert commission. Rather than advocating for a total ban on AI for minors, which they deem impractical, the churches argue that children require adult guidance, digital literacy skills, and access to safe, high-quality services. Bishop Georg Bätzing emphasized that the responsibility for these protections should be shared among policymakers, developers, educators, and families, rather than resting solely on parents. The proposed code of conduct will be developed in collaboration with researchers and educators, focusing on principles such as safety by design and the protection of children's rights.