- This report details France's new legislation restricting minors' access to social media, as of January 27, 2026.
- France has approved legislation prohibiting minors under the age of fifteen from accessing online social networking services.
- The age of fifteen was chosen because it "corresponds in France to the definition of age of sexual consent" and "the transition from primary to secondary education." The…
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This report details France’s new legislation restricting minors’ access to social media, as of January 27, 2026. The information is based on the provided source and verified with authoritative sources.
France has approved legislation prohibiting minors under the age of fifteen from accessing online social networking services. This law is expected to come into force in September 2026,coinciding with the start of the academic year.The amendment was approved with 116 votes in favor and 23 against on January 22, 2024.
The age of fifteen was chosen because it “corresponds in France to the definition of age of sexual consent” and “the transition from primary to secondary education.” The age of sexual consent in France is 15, as defined in Article 222-13 of the Penal Code.
Additional Provisions & Concerns
In addition to the age restriction, the legislation includes provisions to protect minors from excessive commercial pressure and harmful content on social media platforms. Social media providers are required to ensure minors are not exposed to advertising promoting products or services that could harm their physical or mental health.
however, Laure Miller, a legal expert, has raised concerns that this latest amendment may not comply with European Union legislation and could be rejected by the european Commission. Euractiv reports that the French law may conflict with the Digital Services Act (DSA).
Implementation and Presidential Directive
French President Emmanuel Macron has directed the government to ensure the ban on social media for under-15s is implemented by September 2026. Reuters confirms Macron’s instruction, issued on january 27, 2024, to implement the ban at the start of the next academic year.
* Emmanuel Macron: President of France.
* French National Assembly: The lower house of the French Parliament, which approved the amendment.
* European Commission: The executive branch of the European Union, responsible for proposing legislation and enforcing EU law.
* Digital Services Act (DSA): An EU regulation aimed at creating a safer digital space.
* Laure Miller: Legal expert raising concerns about EU compliance.
* Legifrance: The official website for French law.
* Reuters: International news association.
* Euractiv: European news organization.
* French Penal code: The body of laws relating to crime in France.
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