Ban on social networks for under-15s: agreement between MEPs and senators, final vote due on Tuesday

France’s parliament is set to approve a landmark law restricting access to social media platforms for children under the age of 15, marking a significant step in digital child protection. The final vote is scheduled for Tuesday, following intense negotiations between members of both chambers. The compromise text requires online platforms to verify users' ages and block access for minors below 15 years old. This measure comes after Australia pioneered similar legislation in December, prompting France to follow suit. The proposed law aims to address growing concerns over the impact of social media on young users. According to reports, children aged 11 to 14 spend approximately two hours daily on these platforms, raising alarms among lawmakers and public health officials. The French government has long sought to implement such restrictions, with President Emmanuel Macron personally championing the initiative since 2017. His efforts have spanned both national and European levels, aligning France with broader trends toward stricter digital regulation. Key provisions of the bill include mandatory age verification mechanisms enforced by social media companies. These platforms will be required to ensure that users under 15 cannot access their services. The responsibility falls squarely on the tech giants, which must develop and maintain systems capable of accurately verifying user age. While the exact technical implementation details remain unspecified, the law mandates that platforms take active steps to prevent underage access. Minister Anne Le Hénanff, responsible for digital sovereignty, praised the agreement, calling it a milestone in protecting children online. She expressed gratitude towards the legislators who worked behind closed doors to reach this consensus. “Tomorrow, France will be the first country in Europe to establish a digital majority,” she stated, highlighting the significance of the reform. The minister emphasized that the decision reflects a collective effort to safeguard youth in the digital space. French lawmakers, including representatives from both the National Assembly and the Senate, have engaged in extensive discussions to shape the final version of the law. Seven deputies and seven senators participated in secret meetings to iron out differences and arrive at a balanced solution. Despite initial resistance from some stakeholders, the compromise appears to have garnered broad support. The law is expected to come into effect during the upcoming school year, providing a clear framework for enforcement. Public reaction to the proposal has been mixed. Parents and educators generally welcome the move, viewing it as a necessary intervention to mitigate the risks associated with early exposure to social media. However, some critics argue that the law may inadvertently limit access to valuable educational resources or hinder communication between families and younger generations. Tech industry representatives have yet to publicly comment, though they are likely to face increased scrutiny regarding compliance with the new regulations. As the final vote approaches, all eyes are on the parliamentary process. If approved, the law will represent one of the most ambitious attempts to regulate digital spaces for the benefit of children. With its implementation imminent, the focus will shift to how effectively the mandated measures can be enforced and whether they achieve their intended goals of enhancing online safety for minors. The outcome of this legislative effort could influence future regulatory actions across Europe and beyond.