In a move considered the first of its kind in Europe, aimed at enhancing the protection of minors from the risks associated with the digital space, the French parliament has passed a law prohibiting children under the age of fifteen from creating or using accounts on social media platforms.

This decision comes amid growing global concerns about the impact of social media on the mental health and safety of children, making France the first European country to adopt such restrictions, following Australia, which implemented a similar ban for those under 16.

Implementation of the Law at the Start of the School Year

The law stipulates that children under 15 are prohibited from opening new accounts on social media platforms starting from September 1, while the companies owning these platforms are given a four-month grace period to close existing accounts belonging to this age group.

The legislation also requires digital platforms to use systems to verify the ages of users, with these mechanisms needing approval from the French data protection authority.

Macron Supports the Law

The law is set to come into effect at the beginning of the new school year, a move advocated by French President Emmanuel Macron, who previously called for a reduction in smartphone use and encouraged young people to read.

Macron stated that the lack of controls on social media has deprived young people of their focus, emphasizing the necessity of establishing rules that help them grow into "responsible citizens."

He added: "Before the age of fifteen, there should be no use of social media."

Platforms Express Reservations

Although social media companies oppose a blanket ban on young users, asserting that they already implement measures to protect children, they have announced their willingness to comply with laws adopted by governments.

In contrast, the European Commission continues to prepare unified legislation to regulate the operation of social media platforms in EU countries, ensuring better protection for children, while reviewing the compatibility of the French law with existing European legislation.

In a move considered the first of its kind in Europe, aimed at enhancing the protection of minors from the risks associated with the digital space, the French parliament has passed a law prohibiting children under the age of fifteen from creating or using accounts on social media platforms.

This decision comes amid growing global concerns about the impact of social media on the mental health and safety of children, making France the first European country to adopt such restrictions, following Australia, which implemented a similar ban for those under 16.

Implementation of the Law at the Start of the School Year

The law stipulates that children under 15 are prohibited from opening new accounts on social media platforms starting from September 1, while the companies owning these platforms are given a four-month grace period to close existing accounts belonging to this age group.

The legislation also requires digital platforms to use systems to verify the ages of users, with these mechanisms needing approval from the French data protection authority.

Macron Supports the Law

The law is set to come into effect at the beginning of the new school year, a move advocated by French President Emmanuel Macron, who previously called for a reduction in smartphone use and encouraged young people to read.

Macron stated that the lack of controls on social media has deprived young people of their focus, emphasizing the necessity of establishing rules that help them grow into "responsible citizens."

He added: "Before the age of fifteen, there should be no use of social media."

Platforms Express Reservations

Although social media companies oppose a blanket ban on young users, asserting that they already implement measures to protect children, they have announced their willingness to comply with laws adopted by governments.

In contrast, the European Commission continues to prepare unified legislation to regulate the operation of social media platforms in EU countries, ensuring better protection for children, while reviewing the compatibility of the French law with existing European legislation.