French lawmakers have passed a new bill aimed at restricting access to social media platforms for children under the age of 15, marking one of Europe’s toughest legislative moves to protect minors online. The measure reflects growing concern among policymakers over the impact of excessive screen time, cyberbullying, and harmful content on young users.
Mandatory Age Verification at the Core
At the heart of the legislation is a requirement for social media companies to implement strict age-verification systems. Platforms will be legally obligated to prevent users below 15 from creating accounts unless verifiable parental consent is provided. Authorities argue that self-declared ages are no longer sufficient to protect children in the digital ecosystem.
Heavy Penalties for Non-Compliant Platforms
The bill empowers regulators to impose significant fines on companies that fail to comply with the new rules. Repeated violations could expose platforms to escalating penalties, reinforcing the government’s message that child safety must take priority over growth metrics and engagement-driven algorithms.
Government Cites Mental Health Concerns
French officials have repeatedly linked the legislation to rising cases of anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders among children and teenagers. Lawmakers supporting the bill cited studies showing a correlation between early exposure to social media and negative mental health outcomes, particularly among adolescents.
Mixed Reactions From Tech Industry and Advocates
While child welfare groups have largely welcomed the move, technology companies have raised concerns about privacy, feasibility, and implementation costs. Critics also warn that overly strict measures could push young users toward unregulated or foreign platforms that operate outside European jurisdiction.
Part of a Broader European Digital Push
France’s decision aligns with broader efforts across the European Union to tighten digital regulations, especially for minors. The move could influence similar legislation in other countries, potentially setting a precedent for age-based access controls across the region.