France Bans Social Media for Under‑15s From 2027
France’s parliament has approved a law that will prohibit children under 15 from accessing social media platforms.
The ban will take effect in two stages: from September 2026 no new accounts may be created by users under 15, and from January 2027 all existing accounts will require proof of age above 15.
French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed the move as a final pledge of his decade in office to safeguard children’s mental health.
While critics question the law’s viability, the government insists that age‑verification tools are already effective and safe, with platforms needing to use methods approved by the French privacy regulator.
The legislation follows Australia’s 2025 ban on under‑16s and echoes the UK’s upcoming restrictions for under‑16s and a midnight curfew for teens, as well as the EU’s proposal of a social media delay for children.
Experts caution about privacy risks, potential bypass routes, and the possibility that minors might drift towards less‑regulated spaces, potentially reducing news consumption and political empowerment.
