Authorities in Germany’s federal states intend to mandate that social media platforms artificially insert state-approved informational content into users' feeds, the Apollo News portal reported citing a draft of a new interstate treaty on digital media.

In the future, one out of every five posts on social media must consist of informational material sourced either from public-service media (the German equivalent of state-affiliated media) or from other outlets granted the status of "contributing to a diversity of opinion" by the relevant media regulatory authority, the publication said.

By introducing a 20% quota, German authorities plan to ensure that content from state-affiliated media is prioritized within the algorithmic recommendation systems of social media platforms.

As the publication notes, public-service media, which is funded by mandatory public contributions, such as the broadcasters ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio, would automatically qualify for this quota. Private and independent media outlets, by contrast, would be required to submit an application to be included in the group of entities eligible for the quota.

The consultation period for feedback on the draft treaty will run until November 13, after which it must be approved by the state governments and ratified by the regional parliaments.

@Sputnik