France becomes first EU country to ban social media for under-15s
France has become the first European Union member state to ban children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms after Parliament approved landmark legislation aimed at strengthening online protections for minors.
The bill received overwhelming support in both chambers of Parliament, passing the Senate by 243 votes to two and the National Assembly by 279 votes to 81. The legislation is part of a broader effort by the French government to reduce children's exposure to harmful online content and excessive social media use.
Phased implementation
The new rules will take effect in stages. The ban will apply to newly created social media accounts from the beginning of the September school year, while existing accounts held by children under 15 will be subject to the restrictions from January.
The legislation also expands France's ban on mobile phone use in schools to include high schools. Previously, the restriction applied only to primary and middle schools.
France says it is leading Europe
Digital Affairs Minister Anne Le Henanff described the legislation as a milestone for online child protection, saying France is becoming the first European country to establish a digital age of majority.
The government says the measure is intended to better protect children from the risks associated with social media and marks a significant step in regulating minors' access to digital platforms.
