French social media ban for under-15s clears final vote

 

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. (...)