France becomes first EU nation to ban social media for children under 15

22 Jul 2026, 03:32 by KalingaTV Bureau · KalingaTV

France: France becomes the first EU nation to pass a bill prohibiting minors below 15 years of age from accessing social media apps.

The bill strongly endorsed by French president Emmanuel Macron was adopted by both the French chambers and could come into effect by September 1^st.

The country’s first in regulating underage use of social media platforms was adopted by the National Assembly with 279 votes against 81, after the French Senate also passed the bill.

This is seen as one of the world’s stringent legislation on curbing cyber bullying, addition and access of harmful material for minors on social media.

Companies will be required to implement strong verification processes that can block under-15s from opening accounts, prohibit current underage users from having accounts and provide adequate period for removal of the under-15 accounts.

In addition, companies that are not able to adhere to the provisions could face regulatory consequences.

The European Commission will determine if the French legislation complies with EU’s DSA, following France’s pioneering steps many European nations will look to implement similar regulations targeting online safety of minors.

France becomes first EU nation to ban social media for children under 15

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