In a pioneering move within the European Union, France has become the first country to implement a nationwide ban on social media access for children under 15. This development follows the French parliament’s approval of new legislation designed to enhance online safety. Backed by President Emmanuel Macron, the law mandates that social media platforms restrict account creation for users younger than 15 starting September 1. Furthermore, existing accounts held by those under this age must be deactivated by January 2027, with the enforcement of mandatory age verification.
The responsibility for enforcing this regulation falls on social media companies, which are required to introduce age-verification systems without compromising users’ personal data. In addition to the social media ban, the legislation includes a prohibition on mobile phone use in high schools from the beginning of the upcoming academic year. However, educational websites and online encyclopedias are exempt from these restrictions.
Proponents of the new law argue that it is crucial for safeguarding children from the detrimental mental health effects linked to excessive social media use. On the other hand, critics have expressed concerns about potential privacy issues, the challenges of implementing the law effectively, and the possibility that children might find ways to circumvent age-verification measures.
This legislative action in France reflects a broader global trend towards increased regulation of children’s access to social media platforms. In parallel, the European Commission is investigating the potential for EU-wide measures to ensure children’s online safety and has initiated testing of a digital age-verification tool across several member states.