In a pioneering move within the European Union, France has enacted legislation to ban social media access for children under 15. The law, which has received strong support from President Emmanuel Macron, aims to enhance online safety by requiring social media platforms to block account creation for those under the age of 15 starting September 1. Additionally, existing accounts held by users under 15 must be closed by January 2027, with enforcement relying on mandatory age verification processes.
Under the new legislation, the onus is on social media companies to implement robust age-verification systems while ensuring the protection of users’ personal data. This initiative comes as part of a broader effort to shield children from the detrimental impact excessive social media use can have on mental health. The law also extends to a ban on mobile phone use within high schools, set to take effect with the new academic year, though educational resources such as online encyclopedias will be exempt from these restrictions.
While the move has been praised by supporters who emphasize the need for increased protection for minors, critics express concerns over privacy issues, the practical challenges of implementing the ban, and the potential for children to circumvent age-verification measures. Discussions surrounding the balance between safety and privacy continue as France leads the charge in regulating social media access for younger audiences.
In parallel, the European Commission is taking steps to examine potential EU-wide measures to ensure children’s online safety. As part of this effort, they are trialing a digital age-verification application across several member states, signaling a growing international trend toward stricter regulations on minors’ access to social media platforms.