- France has become the first country in the European Union to approve a blanket ban on social media for children under 15.
- French lawmakers adopted the bill, which also prohibits mobile phone use in high schools, citing growing concerns over the harmful effects of digital content on young people.
- The legislation, one of the final major measures under Emmanuel Macron’s presidency, aims to protect children from issues such as reduced self-esteem and exposure to risky behaviours.
- While intended to take effect in September, its implementation may be delayed by a constitutional review, and some lawmakers opposed it over concerns about constitutionality and enforceability.
- Challenges remain regarding age verification for new accounts and managing existing accounts for under-15s, given that a significant majority of French teenagers use smartphones daily for internet access and social networks.
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