France bans social media for under-15s, first EU country with such a law

France has become the first European Union country to enact a sweeping ban on social media for children under 15, following the passage of a new law by French lawmakers. This move reflects growing global concerns about the detrimental effects of digital content on young people.

The legislation, one of President Emmanuel Macron's signature initiatives during his second term, also prohibits the use of mobile phones in middle schools. The law's passage comes amid lawsuits filed by several French families against TikTok, alleging that harmful content contributed to teen suicides. Child protection advocates and parents have largely welcomed the decision.

President Macron aims for the law to take effect at the start of the school year in September. However, its implementation could be delayed pending a review of its constitutionality by French authorities. The ban will not apply to online encyclopedias, educational databases, or scientific resources.

Opposition arose from the left-wing party La France Insoumise, whose lawmakers argued the law's constitutionality is unclear, would end internet anonymity, and be difficult to enforce. Ines Lejard, a legal advisor for the online protection group e-Enfance, noted that the law would not immediately mean a complete ban, highlighting challenges in identifying and suspending existing accounts of users under 15, as well as verifying age for new accounts.

Data from French health authorities indicates that nearly half of teenagers spend between two and five hours daily on smartphones, with about 90% of 12- to 17-year-olds accessing the internet daily, and 58% using social media. Reports link social media use to decreased self-esteem and increased exposure to risky behaviors like self-harm, drug use, and suicide. The European Commission had previously noted overlaps between the French proposal and the EU's Digital Services Act, leading to an amended version of the bill that was ultimately adopted.

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We will have to deal with the issue of existing accounts of users who are under 15 years old. How are they identified, and how are they suspended? There is also the question of age verification for each new account.