France passes EU-first law banning social media for under-15s
On Tuesday, France's parliament enacted a law prohibiting social media access for individuals under 15, marking it as the first country in Europe to implement such a restriction. This legislation, advocated by President Emmanuel Macron as a key initiative of his final term, also prohibits mobile phone use in high schools, set to commence at the start of the upcoming academic year. The National Assembly approved the bill with a vote of 279 to 81 following earlier Senate endorsement. Macron has committed to enforcing the ban by September, describing it as "a major step forward" in safeguarding youth online. Before the law can be implemented, it awaits a ruling from the Constitutional Council. This action arises amid rising global concerns regarding social media's detrimental impact on minors.
Key facts
- France's parliament approved a bill banning social media access for children under 15.
- France is the first European country to enact such a ban.
- The bill also bans mobile phones in high schools, effective from the next school year.
- President Emmanuel Macron championed the ban as a flagship reform of his final term.
- The National Assembly passed the bill by 279 votes to 81.
- The Senate approved the bill earlier on Tuesday.
- Macron pledged to enforce the ban by September.
- The Constitutional Council must review the legislation before it takes effect.
Entities
Institutions
- National Assembly
- Senate
- Constitutional Council
Locations
- France