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🇫🇷 France /Culture & Society

EU to rule on French ban for under-15s on social media by July 10

From Le Figaro · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The EU Commission is expected to rule on a proposed French law banning social media for under-15s by July 10.
  • If approved, the law will proceed to a joint committee in the French Parliament for further voting.
  • The ban aims to protect children's well-being and could also restrict mobile phone use in schools, with potential alignment with future European regulations.

France is pushing for a ban on social media access for individuals under 15, with a crucial decision from the European Commission due by July 10. The proposed law, championed by Digital Minister Anne Le Hénanff, aims to take effect by the upcoming school year.

On the ban on social networks before 15 years, amended by the Senate, we have requested the opinion of the European Commission. We expect a response by July 10 at the latest.

— Anne Le HénanffThe Digital Minister stated the timeline for the European Commission's decision on the proposed social media ban for minors.

Le Hénanff emphasized the urgency, stating that the ban is "in the interest of our children." She also noted that while a potential European regulation might take two to three years, France is moving forward and will align with EU directives later. The law also includes a provision to ban mobile phones in high schools.

It is in the interest of our children.

— Anne Le HénanffThe minister explained the rationale behind the proposed ban.

The legislation's specifics have been refined by the Senate. Initially, the bill proposed a complete ban on social media services for minors under 15. However, the Senate differentiated between platforms that could harm a child's "physical, mental, or moral development" and others. For the former, a total ban with age verification is proposed, while for the latter, parental consent will be required. The national regulatory authority, Arcom, will enforce penalties for non-compliance.

In the meantime, we are moving forward. We will then align with European orientations.

— Anne Le HénanffThe minister addressed the timeline for potential European regulations compared to France's current legislative process.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Le Figaro in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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