France Enacts First EU Ban on Social Media for Users Under 15

France has enacted legislation making it the first European Union member state to prohibit children under 15 from accessing social media platforms. The measure, which secured overwhelming parliamentary support, mandates that technology companies implement age-verification systems to block underage users, with lawmakers citing escalating worries about youth mental health and digital safety.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced the passage on Tuesday via X, stating the ban would take effect at the start of the school year. He credited parliamentarians for their support and indicated the legislation would proceed to the Constitutional Council for review before implementation measures begin.

The French action reflects a broader international trend toward restricting minors’ social media access. Australia led the way last year by becoming the first nation globally to ban social media for users under 16, while the United Kingdom has signaled plans for comparable restrictions in the coming year. Spain, Greece, and Denmark are also evaluating similar age thresholds.

Implementation will occur in phases under the French rollout schedule. Beginning in September, platforms must prevent new account creation by those under 15 and verify age at registration. The requirement expands in January 2027 to encompass all existing accounts, forcing current users throughout France to confirm they meet the 15-year minimum age using technology approved by France’s privacy authority.