Archive · 22 Jul 2026
France Bans Social Media for Under-15s
France has decided that children under 15 years old will not be allowed to use social media platforms like Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube.
This new law was approved by the French parliament and will start from September 1.
The government wants to protect young people from the negative effects of social media.
Social media companies say they already have rules to protect young users, but they will follow the new law.
The European Commission is also working on similar rules for all of Europe.
France becomes the first European country to ban social media for under-15s.
The ban was approved by both houses of the French parliament.
Social media platforms must close existing accounts and implement age verification.
President Macron advocates for the ban to protect minors from social media's negative impacts.
The European Commission is working on its own regulations to protect young people across Europe.
- Who
- French lawmakers, President Emmanuel Macron, Social media platforms
- What
- Ban on social media access for children under 15
- When
- Approved on July 21, effective from September 1
- Where
- France
- Why
- Concerns over the impact of social media on the health and safety of minors
Government and Advocates
Social Media Platforms
Age Restrictions
Government and Advocates
Support age restrictions to protect minors from the negative impacts of social media.
Social Media Platforms
Oppose blanket bans, emphasizing existing measures to protect younger users.
- Country
- France
- Age Restriction
- Under 15
- Effective Date
- September 1
- Regulatory Body
- French privacy regulator
- European Commission
- Working on own regulations
