The French National Assembly has voted by a broad majority to prohibit children under the age of fifteen from accessing social media platforms. This France social media ban marks a significant shift in digital regulation within Europe. Consequently, France would become the first country on the continent to enforce a ban of this scope if it clears the final parliamentary hurdles.
Approved on Monday, the bill places the onus on technology platforms to block access for minors. Should the measure be validated by the Senate, it is scheduled to come into force in September 2026, affecting all French territories, including Northern Catalonia. This law is one of several recent legislative changes in Catalonia impacting the region.
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Protecting minors from algorithms: The France social media ban
The text of the bill introduces strict obligations for social media providers. Beyond the age verification requirement, platforms must implement safeguards against excessive commercial pressure. Furthermore, they must prevent the promotion of content deemed harmful to the physical or mental health of adolescents.
President Emmanuel Macron has thrown his full weight behind the initiative, calling for its rapid finalisation. Addressing the potential psychological impact of unregulated internet use, Macron issued a stark defence of the policy.
“The minds of our children are not for sale.”Emmanuel Macron, President of France
The President added that protecting children from aggressive algorithms and the psychological toll of social networking is a national priority. Therefore, this France social media ban is a cornerstone of that effort.
Political divides and commercial restrictions under the new law
The legislative change received 116 votes in favour, drawing support from a diverse coalition. This included the executive branch, the far-right Rassemblement National, the Union of Democrats for the Republic (UDR), the Communists, and the majority of the Greens.
Opposition came primarily from La France Insoumise (LFI), which cast 23 votes against the measure. Meanwhile, the majority of Socialist deputies chose to abstain.
During the debate, an amendment proposed by Socialist deputy Ayda Hadizadeh was accepted by a narrow margin. This provision specifically mandates that social network providers guarantee minors are not exposed to excessive commercial targeting. In addition, it prohibits the advertising of products or services that could damage their health.
If the Senate confirms the vote, the France social media ban will represent one of the strictest internet safety laws in the Western world. It sets a potential precedent for other EU nations grappling with youth digital addiction. The law is part of a wider trend involving regulatory efforts targeting digital platforms in the tech sector.
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