Macron Moves To Fast-Track Social Media Ban For Under-15s
Macron asked his government to accelerate a law to ban social media for under-15s to take effect in September, his office said.
Overview
French President Emmanuel Macron asked his government to fast-track legislation banning social media for children under 15 to take effect in September, according to a video released by BFMTV.
The move follows a December report by France's health watchdog that found 90% of 12- to 17-year-olds use smartphones daily and linked social networks to reduced self-esteem, officials said.
Laure Miller, the Renaissance lawmaker sponsoring the bill, told parliamentary TV that strict age verification must be imposed while acknowledging there will be ways to circumvent restrictions.
Australia revoked access to about 4.7 million accounts identified as belonging to under-16s after its national ban, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, prompting international interest in similar measures.
Macron's office said the bill will be examined in a public session on Monday, and lawmakers must decide on enforcement details, age checks and a proposed ban on mobile phones in high schools.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story around child-protection urgency, prioritizing government action and health-watchdog findings while omitting counterarguments about free speech, parental choice, or platform responses. Editorial choices—prominent Macron quotes, selection of harm-focused statistics, and links to similar international laws—create a policy-forward, precautionary narrative.
Sources (4)
FAQ
The ban is being fast-tracked to take effect in September 2026, with the bill examined in a public session on Monday following Macron's announcement.
The legislation requires strict age verification by social media platforms, targeting companies with fines for non-compliance; lawmakers will decide on enforcement details.
Current proposals suggest a hard ban without parental override, unlike the failed 2023 consent model; no criminal penalties for children using VPNs, but fines target platforms.
It primarily targets algorithmic social media like TikTok and Instagram, distinguishing from messaging apps; also proposes banning phones in high schools and night curfews for 15-18s.
Inspired by Australia's under-16 ban, which revoked 4.7 million accounts; France follows amid global trends in Spain, Greece, and others to protect against addiction and mental health issues.
History
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