The French Parliament has approved a bill banning individuals under 15 years of age from registering on social networks. The ban is set to come into force on 1 September following the completion of the required procedures.
WHAT THE BILL PROVIDES
According to DW, after being approved by parliament, the bill will be sent for review to the French Constitutional Council, and must then be signed by French President Emmanuel Macron.
According to the document, from 1 September children under 15 years of age will be prohibited from creating new accounts on social networks. Furthermore, online platforms must delete existing accounts of users in this age group by 1 January 2027.
HOW THE BAN WILL WORK
It is noted that the text of the bill does not specify the exact method social networks must use to verify users' ages. The choice of verification mechanism is left to the discretion of the platforms themselves.
At the same time, the bill requires online platforms to implement age verification measures in accordance with the requirements of the French data protection regulator.
WHAT OTHER RESTRICTIONS ARE BEING INTRODUCED
The document also provides for a ban on the use of mobile phones in secondary schools. However, the internal rules of educational institutions may provide for exceptions.
The ban on registering on social networks does not apply to online encyclopaedias and educational platforms.
WHY THE BILL WAS INTRODUCED
The bill was drafted following warnings from the French health watchdog about the potential negative impact of social networks on children. Among the potential risks cited were reduced self-esteem, as well as a possible increase in cases of self-harm, suicide and drug use.
As a result, France has become the first country in the European Union to approve such a ban. Similar restrictions are in place in the UAE, and are also being introduced in the United Kingdom from 2027.
