France passes law banning under-15s from social media
Summary
France's parliament has passed a law that will ban children under 15 from using social media starting in January 2027. The law requires all users in France to prove their age to access social media accounts, making France the first European country to introduce such a rule.Key Facts
- The law will start in two stages: from September under-15s cannot open new social media accounts, and by January 2027 all existing accounts must verify age.
- Social media platforms must use age-verification tools approved by the French privacy regulator.
- The law aims to protect children’s mental health and follows similar moves by the UK and EU.
- France is the second country after Australia to introduce a social media age ban for young users.
- Critics worry about privacy risks, how well age checks will work, and young people finding ways to get around the ban.
- Australia’s similar ban for under-16s has shown many young users still access social media despite restrictions.
- Experts say young people should be included in the discussion about social media bans to make the rules more effective and fair.
- Other European countries are also considering rules to limit social media use for children.
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