Frankreich verbietet Zugriff auf soziale Netzwerke für Kinder unter 15 Jahren; erstes Land in Europa, das die Nutzung von Apps einschränkt

France has become the first European country to restrict access to social media platforms for minors under the age of 15, following the approval of a new law by its parliament. The measure, which will take effect in two phases, aims to limit exposure to digital platforms deemed harmful to young users. Under the legislation, children aged below 15 will be prohibited from creating new accounts starting September 1, while existing accounts will face restrictions beginning January 2027. This follows growing concerns over the impact of social media on mental health, privacy, and overall well-being among youth. The bill was approved by the National Assembly with 279 votes in favor and 81 against, after passing through the Senate earlier this week. President Emmanuel Macron has framed the initiative as a key achievement during his second term, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding children’s welfare in the digital age. In a video message shared on social media, he reiterated France's commitment to protecting younger generations from the risks associated with online activity. The law also includes provisions restricting mobile phone use in secondary schools, aligning with current policies in some educational institutions. According to the text, the law mandates that platforms must implement systems to verify users' ages, allowing individuals to choose from multiple verification methods. However, critics have raised doubts about the feasibility of such measures within the proposed timeframe. Senator Mathilde Ollivier, representing the Green party, questioned whether the complex verification system could be operational within weeks, especially during the summer months. She described the proposal as appearing more symbolic than practical, suggesting that the government may be attempting to create the impression of action without substantial implementation plans. Minister Anne Le Hénanff, responsible for the digital sector, defended the timeline, stating that existing tools for age verification already exist and additional ones are being developed. She emphasized that the law does not impose penalties on parents or children, leaving enforcement primarily to platform providers. The law also allows exceptions for certain services, including online encyclopedias and educational projects, ensuring that essential resources remain accessible. Notably, the legislation addresses specific aspects of major platforms. For instance, YouTube and WhatsApp will need to introduce age verification mechanisms for content-sharing features, such as channels and comments, but basic video viewing and private messaging will remain unaffected. The law’s scope reflects broader trends in global policy, with countries like Australia and the United Kingdom having introduced similar measures. Australia became the first nation worldwide to ban social media access for minors under 16, while the UK’s regulations will come into force early in 2027. The European Commission has also signaled its intention to explore a “progressive and gradual” approach to digital platform access for children, indicating that France’s move may influence future EU-wide strategies. With increasing pressure from public health experts and advocacy groups, governments across Europe are increasingly considering regulatory interventions aimed at mitigating the negative effects of prolonged screen time and social media engagement on young people.