France Approves Bill Banning Social Media for Children Under 15
Quick Look
- France's parliament approved a bill banning social media access for children under 15, making it the first European country to implement such a restriction.
- President Emmanuel Macron championed the reform, which passed the National Assembly 279-81 and awaits a ruling from the Constitutional Council before its planned enforcement by September.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
France's parliament approved a bill banning social media access for children under 15, a reform championed by President Emmanuel Macron as a flagship initiative for his final term.
France’s parliament on Tuesday approved a bill banning social media access for children under 15, making France the first European country to bar children from apps such as TikTok.
President Emmanuel Macron has championed the ban as a flagship reform of his final term in office and pledged to enforce it by September.
“France is leading the way in Europe when it comes to protecting our children and teenagers,” Macron said in a video posted on social media, hailing “a major step forward”. He thanked members of parliament for backing the legislation.
“The Constitutional Council must now rule on it, and then it will be time to take action to make this measure a reality and protect our children online,” he added.
After approval by the Senate earlier on Tuesday, members of the National Assembly passed the bill by 279 votes to 81.
A growing number of countries are taking steps to restrict social media access amid multiplying warnings over its harmful effects on children.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The Constitutional Council will rule on the approved bill.
Very likely · Within weeks
The social media ban will be enforced by September.
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What will be the Constitutional Council's final ruling on the bill?
- How will the ban be effectively enforced for children under 15?
