France's parliament has passed a bill banning social media access for children under 15, making it the first European country to introduce such a restriction. President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to enforce the measure before the next school year.
Key facts
- France's parliament approved a bill banning social media access for children under 15.
- France is the first European country to bar children from apps such as TikTok.
- President Emmanuel Macron has championed the ban as a key reform of his final term.
- Macron has pledged to enforce the ban by September, before the upcoming school year.
France’s parliament has approved a bill banning social media access for children under 15, making it the first European country to bar children from apps such as TikTok, according to the Guardian.
President Emmanuel Macron has championed the ban as a key reform of his final term in office. He has pledged to enforce the measure by September, ahead of the upcoming school year, the Guardian and Al Jazeera reported.
Sky News described the measure as a “blanket ban” on under-15 children using social media, noting it is the first such restriction of its kind to be introduced by a European country.
The policy has been a personal priority for Macron, who wants the ban in effect before the start of the new school year, according to Al Jazeera.
The move places France at the forefront of European efforts to restrict young people’s access to social media platforms, with the country’s parliament having formally voted the measure through.
Why it matters
The ban marks the first time a European country has legislated to keep children under 15 off social media platforms, potentially setting a precedent for other nations weighing similar restrictions. For families and tech companies alike, France's approach could influence how minors' online access is regulated across the region.
Frequently asked questions
What does the new French law do?
It bans children under 15 from accessing social media apps such as TikTok, making France the first European country to introduce such a restriction, according to the Guardian and Sky News.
When will the ban take effect?
President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to enforce the ban by September, before the upcoming school year, as reported by the Guardian and Al Jazeera.
Who championed the ban?
President Emmanuel Macron championed the measure, describing it as a key reform of his final term in office, according to the Guardian.