The French parliament approves a ban on social media use for children under 15.

Written by Mohamed Ragab:

The French parliament has approved a bill that would ban children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms, in a move aimed at strengthening the protection of minors from the risks associated with the digital space, including cyberbullying, harmful content, and addiction to the use of digital platforms.

The passage of the law comes as part of the French government’s efforts to tighten control over children’s use of the internet and to require technology companies to take stricter measures to verify users’ ages before allowing them to create accounts on social media platforms.

Age verification is a prerequisite for creating accounts.

The draft law stipulates that social media platforms must implement effective mechanisms to verify the ages of users, ensuring that children under the age of fifteen cannot create or use accounts without meeting the legal requirements.

The legislation also gives regulators the power to take action against platforms that do not comply with age verification rules, as part of France’s efforts to strengthen technology companies’ responsibility for protecting children online.

Combating cyberbullying and harmful content

Supporters of the law stressed that the primary goal of the legislation is to reduce children's exposure to violent or inappropriate content, as well as to combat cyberbullying and digital exploitation, which have become an increasing challenge in light of the widespread use of social media among young people.

They pointed out that excessive use of digital platforms may negatively affect children’s mental health, concentration levels, and academic achievement, which necessitates the establishment of legal controls that keep pace with technological developments.

Controversy over privacy and freedom of use

In contrast, the bill sparked a wide debate about age verification mechanisms, with some human rights groups and technology experts expressing concerns about the protection of personal data and user privacy, demanding that verification procedures be balanced and not lead to the collection of additional data without justification.

Experts also called for a combination of legislation and digital awareness, stressing that the role of the family and school is no less important than laws in protecting children and promoting the safe use of the internet.

France tightens controls on digital platforms

This legislation is part of a broader French policy to regulate the work of technology companies and promote the safety of users, especially children and teenagers, amid growing global concerns about the impact of social media on the mental health and digital behavior of new generations.

Observers believe that the French experience may encourage other countries to adopt similar legislation, as the international debate continues on how to balance protecting children, preserving privacy, and ensuring freedom of internet use.