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France has approved a law banning social media access for children under 15, becoming the first EU country to introduce such a restriction. The law, aimed at protecting young users online, will require platforms to enforce age verification measures from 2027.
Mariyam Adheela
A 13-year-old teenage boy looks at an iPhone screen displaying various social media apps -- Photo: Matt Cardy/Getty Images
France’s Parliament has approved a landmark law banning social media access for children under the age of 15, making it the first European Union country to introduce such a nationwide restriction.
The law, approved on Tuesday, aims to protect young users from potential harms linked to social media, including online harassment, exposure to harmful content, and excessive screen use.
Under the new legislation, social media platforms will be required to introduce age verification measures to prevent children under 15 from creating or maintaining accounts. The restrictions are expected to take effect from January 2027.
The move follows growing concerns among European governments and child safety advocates over the impact of social media on children’s mental health and development.
French officials said the measure is
intended to provide stronger protection for minors online while placing greater responsibility on technology companies to control access to their platforms.
The law has sparked debate, with supporters welcoming stronger safeguards for children, while critics have raised concerns about privacy, enforcement, and whether age verification systems can be effectively implemented.
France’s decision could influence similar discussions in other countries considering stricter rules on children’s access to social media platforms.
