CHILDREN under 15 in France have been banned from using social media after the country’s parliament approved a landmark new law on Tuesday.
The rules will require all users to verify their age before accessing platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, with under-15s banned from creating new accounts from September this year.
From January 2027, the ban will apply to all accounts – including those created before September.
The historic bill makes France the first European country to introduce such a ban, with President Emmanuel Macron hailing the legislation as a ‘major step forward.’
“France is leading the way in Europe for the protection of children and adolescents,” he said in a video statement.
The National Assembly passed the bill by 279 votes to 81, although critics have raised concerns over its potential impact and effectiveness.
The right-wing National Rally party, led by Marine Le Pen, condemned the law as an attempt by the government to establish a ‘monopoly on truth’ by controlling access to information.
Opposition parties have also raised concerns over privacy, the practicalities of age verification and whether such measures can be effectively enforced.
The move comes as several other European countries prepare to follow suit with similar legislation – including Spain and the UK.
Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez announced plans for a similar ban during a summit in Dubai last February.
He said Spain was working towards setting up similar restrictions, with authorities currently focused on introducing strict age-verification systems before measures come into force.
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In the UK, children under 16 will be banned from accessing certain social media platforms from spring 2027 under government plans.
The government has also proposed an additional social media curfew for teenagers aged 16 and 17, which would prevent access to platforms such as Instagram, TikTok and YouTube between midnight and 6am.
Other European countries are expected to follow France’s lead, with Germany, Norway, Italy and Greece also announcing plans to restrict minors’ access to social media.
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