France's parliament has approved a law banning under-15s from social media, making it the first European country to implement such a measure. The law, which will come into effect in two stages, requires all social media users in France to verify their age to access the platforms. From September, new accounts will be unable to be opened by those under 15, and age verification will be required on all new accounts. In January 2027, this rule will apply to all existing accounts, requiring everyone in France to prove their age to use social media.
The law has been welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron, who has pledged to introduce the ban to mark the end of his decade in office. However, critics have raised concerns over the law's viability and potential impact on young people's online activities. Professor Tama Leaver, a specialist in internet studies at Western Australia's Curtin University, has warned that the ban may push young people into less-regulated online spaces, reducing their news consumption and political empowerment.
The French Digital Minister, Anne Le Hénanff, has defended the speed of the law's implementation, citing the existence of age-verification tools. However, experts have raised concerns over the risks to privacy and the efficacy of these tools. The ban has been seen as part of a growing trend in Europe to restrict young people's access to social media, following Australia's similar ban in December. The UK and EU are also developing their own limits in response to concerns over children's mental health.