France passes historic ban on social media for children under 15

France’s National Assembly has passed legislation prohibiting social media use for children under the age of 15. The bill, which was approved by the lower house, establishes a legal framework that will restrict digital platform access for this demographic if implemented as scheduled in September.

If the measures proceed according to the current timeline, France will become the first European nation to enforce a blanket ban on social media for minors under 15. The legislation represents a significant shift in regulatory approaches across the continent, where governments have largely relied on age-verification mechanisms and parental controls rather than outright prohibitions.

The French National Assembly’s decision comes amid a broader international trend of tightening regulations on children’s online activity. While the specific definition of platforms covered by the ban remains unspecified in the legislative text, the scope is clearly defined by age, targeting users below the 15th birthday.

Implementation is contingent on administrative processes moving forward without delay. The source indicates that the ban is scheduled to take effect in September, though the phrasing suggests that full enforcement depends on the successful completion of preparatory steps. Any legal challenges or administrative bottlenecks could potentially alter the timeline.

This regulatory development occurs against a backdrop of France hosting major international events, including the 2026 World Cup. The country’s recent performance in Philadelphia, where the national team defeated Iraq 3-0 in a weather-disrupted match, highlights its active role on the global stage even as it navigates complex domestic policy reforms.