Lawmakers in France have approved landmark legislation that would ban children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms, marking one of the country’s most comprehensive efforts to strengthen online protections for minors.
The legislation, which received broad support in the French Parliament, is designed to reduce young people’s exposure to harmful online content, cyberbullying, digital addiction, and other risks associated with excessive social media use.
Under the proposed law, social media companies will be required to implement stronger age verification systems to prevent users under 15 from creating or maintaining accounts without appropriate authorization where applicable. Platforms that fail to comply with the new rules could face regulatory action and financial penalties.
Supporters of the measure argue that stricter controls are necessary to protect children’s mental health, privacy, and overall well-being in an increasingly digital world. They cite growing evidence linking excessive social media use among young people to anxiety, depression, disrupted sleep, and reduced academic performance.
Critics, however, have questioned how the restrictions will be enforced in practice, raising concerns about the effectiveness of age verification technology, data privacy, and the possibility that children could bypass the new rules.
The legislation reflects a broader international trend, with governments in Europe and other regions considering stricter regulations for technology companies and stronger online safety measures for minors.
French officials said the law forms part of a wider strategy to create a safer digital environment for children while encouraging responsible internet use and greater accountability among major technology platforms.
If fully implemented, the new rules would place France among the countries with the strictest regulations governing children’s access to social media services.
Swifteradio.com
