France becomes first EU country to ban social media for under-15s

French lawmakers on Tuesday approved legislation banning children under 15 years of age from accessing social media platforms, making France the first European Union member state to impose such sweeping digital restrictions on minors. The measure positions Paris at the forefront of European efforts to regulate minors' access to digital services.

Overwhelming parliamentary backing

The bill secured overwhelming support in both chambers of Parliament, passing the Senate by a vote of 243 to 2 and the National Assembly by 279 to 81. Digital Affairs Minister Anne Le Henanff told senators shortly before the final tally that "France is leading the way in Europe by becoming the first country to establish a digital age of majority to better protect our children online." She noted that the legislation represents a landmark shift in how European democracies approach youth digital safety.

Phased implementation

The prohibition will take effect at the start of the September school year for newly created social media accounts, while existing accounts held by under-15s will be subject to the ban from January. The law also extends France's existing prohibition on mobile phone use to high school campuses, tightening restrictions that previously applied only to primary and middle schools.