France has taken a pioneering step within the European Union by implementing a nationwide prohibition on social media access for children under 15, following the recent passage of legislation designed to enhance online safety for minors. The new law, which has garnered strong support from President Emmanuel Macron, mandates that social media platforms bar those under 15 from registering new accounts starting September 1. Additionally, platforms must close existing accounts of users under 15 by January 2027, with enforced age verification as a prerequisite.
The enforcement of this ban will fall upon social media companies, which are tasked with instituting age-verification systems while ensuring the protection of users’ personal data. This legislative move also includes a prohibition on mobile phone use in high schools from the beginning of the next academic year, though educational resources such as online encyclopedias and learning websites will remain unaffected by these restrictions.
Proponents of the new law argue that it is crucial for safeguarding children against the negative impacts of excessive social media use on mental health. On the other hand, critics express apprehensions regarding privacy concerns, the challenges associated with effectively implementing the policy, and the potential for children to circumvent age-verification protocols.
This initiative reflects a broader international trend toward tightening regulations on minors’ access to social media platforms. In parallel, the European Commission is considering more comprehensive EU-wide measures aimed at enhancing children’s online safety and has started piloting a digital age-verification tool in various member states.