France passes law banning social media for children under 15

France’s parliament has approved a landmark law that bans children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms without parental consent. The move makes France one of the strictest nations in the world when it comes to regulating minors’ access to online networks.

The new law, passed on Tuesday, requires social media companies to verify the ages of their users. If a platform fails to block under-15 users who lack parental approval, it could face significant fines. The legislation is part of a broader push by the French government to shield young people from what it describes as the harmful effects of social media, including cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and addictive behaviour.

How the law will work

Under the new rules, children under 15 will need explicit permission from a parent or guardian to create accounts on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Facebook. Social media companies must implement robust age-verification systems. Those that do not comply risk being penalised.

Parents will also gain more control. The law allows them to request that platforms delete their children’s accounts and data. For minors aged 15 and 16, the law offers a softer approach — they can use social media, but platforms must still obtain parental consent for certain data-processing activities.

France’s action follows similar moves in other countries. Australia is considering a ban on social media for children under 16, while Brazil has debated age-restriction laws. The United Kingdom has also introduced the Online Safety Act, which places a duty on platforms to protect children.

Reactions and challenges

Supporters of the law argue that it is a necessary step to protect vulnerable young users. Child rights groups have long pointed to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders among teenagers linked to heavy social media use. French lawmakers who backed the bill said it sends a strong signal that tech companies must prioritise safety over profit.

Critics, however, have raised concerns. Some say the age-verification requirements could infringe on privacy. Others argue that determined teenagers will find ways around the restrictions, such as using a parent’s account or lying about their age. Civil liberties groups have also warned that the law could limit young people’s access to information and peer support networks.

Tech companies have not yet commented in detail on how they will comply. Industry observers note that enforcing age checks at scale is technically difficult and costly. France’s data protection authority will be responsible for overseeing implementation.

Global trend towards tighter controls

France’s move is part of a wider international trend. Governments from Brazil to Australia are exploring or enacting similar measures. The European Union’s Digital Services Act already requires platforms to assess risks to minors. But France’s law goes further by setting a clear age limit with parental consent as a gate.

The debate over children and social media is unlikely to fade. As more countries adopt restrictions, pressure will mount on platforms to design safer products for younger users. France’s law will take effect after a transition period, giving companies time to adjust their systems.

For now, the French parliament has drawn a clear line: no more social media before 15, unless a parent says yes. How effectively that line will be enforced remains to be seen.