The first EU ban: when will under-15s be social media-free?

France has become the first country in the European Union to implement a comprehensive ban on social media platforms for minors under the age of 15. The law, passed by both chambers of the French parliament, the National Assembly and the Senate, prohibits children younger than 15 from creating new accounts on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. This marks a significant shift in how France approaches online safety for its youth, with the government positioning itself as a leader in child protection within Europe. The legislation was introduced by President Emmanuel Macron as part of his final legislative agenda before the end of his term. He pledged to enforce the law by September, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations on social media usage among young people. The bill received overwhelming support during parliamentary debates, with the Senate approving it by a margin of 243 votes in favor to two against, and the National Assembly following suit with 279 votes in favor and 81 opposing. The decision reflects growing public concern over the impact of social media on mental health and privacy for young users. During a speech to teenagers earlier this year, Macron highlighted the lack of rules governing social media and called for a slower pace of digital growth. “We have left you in this jungle and it has taken your attention,” he said, urging parents and policymakers to help young people transition into adulthood while safeguarding their rights as citizens. The passage of the law underscores a broader societal push for greater oversight of digital spaces, particularly in light of rising concerns about cyberbullying, misinformation, and data exploitation. The law will be implemented in two phases. Starting on September 1, individuals under 15 will be prohibited from creating new social media accounts. Existing accounts will face restrictions beginning January 1, 2027. However, the law may still undergo legal review to ensure compliance with the French constitution, which could delay its enforcement. A key component of the law involves requiring all users in France to verify their age by September, with underage accounts being deactivated if verification fails. The Ministry of Digital Policy, led by Anne Le Henanff, has assured the public that user data will remain protected under strict privacy protocols. In practice, platform administrators will be tasked with implementing effective age-verification systems, though the law does not currently provide penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, the law expands existing measures that prohibit mobile phone use in middle schools, building upon similar policies already in place in primary schools. While the law does not impose sanctions on parents or children who violate the rules, it aims to create a more regulated environment for young users. The effectiveness of such bans has been debated, with Australia serving as a recent example. In December, Australia banned access to social media platforms for users under 16, yet reports indicate that many continue to use these services despite the restrictions. According to a March report by Australia’s Cyber Safety Commissioner, seven out of ten teenagers under 16 who had previously created accounts remained active on these platforms. Professor Tama Leaver from Curtin University noted that while the Australian ban failed to fully achieve its technical goals, it demonstrated the feasibility of such measures. She emphasized the importance of involving young people directly in discussions around regulation, rather than imposing top-down restrictions. Leaver pointed out that France’s approach, which requires individual age verification, offers a higher chance of success compared to other models. However, she warned that this method could increase risks related to personal data protection. The challenge lies in balancing regulatory control with the need to maintain open access to information and communication tools for young people. As France moves forward with its plan, the long-term impact of the law on digital behavior, privacy, and youth engagement will likely shape future policy discussions across the EU.