In brief
France has become the first European country to outlaw social‑media use for people under 15 years old, with a phased roll‑out starting in September 2026 and full enforcement by January 2027. The new law mandates age verification for all accounts using tools approved by the CNIL, the national privacy regulator. While supporters cite child mental‑health protection, critics warn about privacy risks and the potential for children to find unregulated online spaces. The legislation follows similar moves in Australia and the UK and reflects a broader surge in digital‑rights debates across Europe.
France Sets Strict Age Block on Social Media
France’s parliament has approved a law that will prohibit anyone under 15 from creating or using social‑media accounts from January 2027. France is the first European country to adopt such a blanket ban on young users.
The law will roll out in two stages: from September 2026, users under 15 will be unable to open new accounts; from January 2027 all existing accounts must also pass an age‑verification check.
Verification will be carried out using tools approved by France’s privacy regulator, the CNIL (Commission Nationale de l’Informatique et des Libertés). The decree follows Australia’s 2023 ban on accounts for under‑16s and the UK’s upcoming curfew for 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds.
Supporters argue the measure protects children’s mental health and digital safety. Opponents warn that the ban raises serious privacy concerns, could be circumvented, and might drive youths into less‑regulated online spaces.
French Digital Minister Anne Le Hénanff defended the swift implementation, citing existing verification technology. Yet scholars caution that the ban may fail if children simply bypass the checkpoints.
For more on the policy debate and comparisons with Australia’s experience, see the BBC’s in‑depth coverage linked below.
