In a pioneering move within the European Union, France has enacted legislation that prohibits children under 15 from accessing social media nationwide. This law, which has received significant support from President Emmanuel Macron, reflects a broader effort to enhance online safety for younger users. Starting September 1, social media platforms will be required to block the creation of new accounts by children under this age limit. Existing accounts held by children under 15 must be deactivated by January 2027, as part of a mandatory age verification process.
The enforcement of this new regulation is placed on the shoulders of social media companies, who are tasked with implementing robust age-verification systems that safeguard users’ personal information. Additionally, the legislation extends to high schools by banning mobile phone use within their premises at the beginning of the new academic year. However, exceptions are made for educational websites and online encyclopedias, which remain accessible to students.
Proponents of the legislation argue that it is a necessary measure to shield children from the adverse mental health effects linked to excessive use of social media. Nevertheless, the law has drawn criticism regarding concerns over privacy, the feasibility of implementation, and the potential for children to circumvent age-verification mechanisms.
At the EU level, the European Commission is considering broader initiatives aimed at enhancing online safety for children across member states. As part of these efforts, a digital age-verification application is currently being tested in several countries. France’s decision aligns with a global trend toward more stringent regulations governing children’s access to social media platforms.