The Senate in France has approved a bill aimed at restricting social media use among children under the age of 15, marking a new step in the country’s efforts to regulate digital platforms and protect minors.

The move comes amid ongoing discussions across Europe on limiting children’s access to social media platforms. The proposal was also among the campaign pledges of French President Emmanuel Macron.

The Senate’s approval follows a draft previously introduced in January by the National Assembly, though significant differences remain between the two legislative bodies.

The version adopted by the National Assembly proposes stricter measures, including requiring social media platforms to delete accounts of users under 15 and block new registrations from that age group. It also includes provisions to ban mobile phone use in high schools.

In contrast, the Senate-backed proposal introduces a two-tier system. Platforms deemed harmful to the physical, mental, or moral development of minors would be fully restricted, while access to other platforms could be allowed with parental consent.

Educational platforms and online encyclopedias would be exempt from the regulation.

Due to differences between the two versions, lawmakers are expected to negotiate a compromise, which could delay the law’s entry into force.

Key questions also remain regarding how age verification systems will be implemented, an issue currently under discussion at the European Union level.

The legislation is expected to come into force in early 2027 if approved.

France has long sought stricter rules on children’s screen use and social media access. In 2023, a similar law requiring parental consent for users under 15 was adopted but did not take effect due to incompatibility with European Union digital regulations.

Following updates to EU rules, member states have been granted greater flexibility in setting age limits for social media use.

Similar measures are being considered worldwide. Australia became the first country to ban social media use for children under 16 in December.

Meanwhile, the European Parliament has proposed a non-binding initiative suggesting a 16-year age limit for access to social media, video-sharing platforms, and artificial intelligence applications, with parental consent required for users aged 13 to 16. (ILKHA)