France has enacted legislation banning social media access for users under 15, diverging from the EU's preference for features-based regulation.
Key facts
- •The French National Assembly voted 279 to 81 in favor of the social media ban.
- •The law sets the digital age of majority at 15.
- •New account creation for those under 15 is blocked starting September 1.
- •Existing accounts for minors must be restricted by January 2027.
- •The EU Commission currently favors regulating addictive features over blanket age bans.
France became the first European nation to pass social media restrictions for minors on Tuesday, July 21. The National Assembly approved the measure with 279 votes in favor and 81 against, following its passage in the French senate. The law mandates a blanket ban for users under 15, a policy championed by President Emmanuel Macron as a key priority to take effect before the upcoming school year.
By the numbers
Implementation and Enforcement
New accounts for users under 15 will be prohibited starting September 1. Existing accounts are expected to be restricted by January 2027. Despite the legislative progress, officials have not yet clarified which specific social networks will be covered by the ban or the technical methods apps will use to verify user ages.
Divergence from EU Policy
The French law contrasts with an EU Commission report published on July 13, which advocates for regulating manipulative design features like endless scrolling rather than implementing outright age bans. While French digital minister Anne Le Hénanff stated the approach is inspiring European partners, some lawmakers, including Socialist MP Arthur Delaporte, voted against the bill in favor of the EU's more gradual approach.
Timeline
- 13 JulyThe EU Commission published a report advocating for features-based restrictions.
- 21 JulyThe French National Assembly passed the social media ban for minors.
- 1 SeptemberThe ban on opening new accounts for users under 15 takes effect.
- January 2027Existing accounts for users under 15 are expected to be restricted.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by EUobserver.
