France Moves to Ban Social Media for Children Under 15

French lawmakers are set to vote on a bill that would ban children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms, as the government seeks to strengthen online safety for minors.

If approved, the legislation would require platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram to introduce robust age-verification systems approved by France's privacy regulator. Children under 15 would be prohibited from creating new social media accounts from September 1, while companies would have four months to remove existing accounts belonging to underage users.

The proposal follows Australia's implementation of a similar social media restriction for under-16s and reflects growing international concern over the impact of social media on children's mental health, safety and well-being.

French President Emmanuel Macron has backed the measure, arguing that reducing young people's exposure to social media will help improve their focus, education and civic engagement.

Educational websites and online encyclopedias would remain accessible under the proposed law. While social media companies have generally opposed blanket bans, they have indicated they will comply where governments introduce such regulations.

The European Commission is also developing broader rules aimed at strengthening protections for children online, and will review whether France's proposed legislation aligns with European Union laws.

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