The national age limit will apply from 1 September for new users and 1 January 2027 for existing accounts
Lawmakers in France approved a national social media ban for under-15s on Tuesday, cementing the country’s push to be the EU frontrunner in setting a digital age limit.
The text, voted by 279 in favour and 81 against, stipulates that younger teens won’t be able to create new social media accounts from 1 September, while the ban will apply to existing accounts from 1 January 2027.
French President Emmanuel Macron, who has hailed the law as a significant achievement under his term, wanted it implemented by the start of the school year. However, a Commission legal opinion sent to Paris earlier this month had asked for revisions to ensure it aligns with EU law.
French digital minister Anne Le Hénanff said the bill was “proportionate” and “compatible with European law.”
