Switzerland

France bans social media for under-15s — debate spreads to Switzerland

Herz — Switzerland Desk · 25 July 2026 at 15:29 · 30s summary · 3 min read

The essentials

France has decided to ban access to social media — including TikTok and Instagram — for people under 15 years old. In Switzerland, voices are calling for an identical measure, following the French model. However, Swiss experts consulted by 24 Heures believe such a general ban is "illusory," raising questions about technical feasibility at scale. Le Point argues that the French law "will remain ineffective." The practical procedures for age verification and the implementation timeline remain unclear.

France bans TikTok and Instagram for those under 15
Swiss voices call for a similar ban based on the French model
Swiss experts deem such a general ban 'illusory'
Le Point predicts the French measure 'will remain ineffective'
Age verification procedures and implementation timeline remain unclear

What we know

France has decided to ban access to social media — including TikTok and Instagram — for people under 15 years old, according to 24 Heures and several French media outlets.

The measure is based on the concept of 'digital age of majority': the legal age threshold below which a minor cannot access certain online services without parental consent.

According to information reported by a single source (Le Parisien), the law would provide for identity verification via official ID card. The precise implementation timeline and legal framework details have not yet been confirmed by other sources.

What about Switzerland?

France's decision resonates in Switzerland: voices are rising to ban social media access for those under 15 as well, drawing inspiration from the French model.

Swiss experts, however, show skepticism about the feasibility of such a measure. They raise in particular the technical difficulties related to effective age verification at scale.

A general ban is illusory.
— Swiss experts, according to 24 Heures

Doubts about effectiveness

The magazine Le Point shares these reservations and predicts that the French ban 'will remain without effect'.

Context: a global movement

This is not the first time France has legislated on this subject. In July 2023, the country adopted a law establishing 'digital age of majority' at 15 years, requiring platforms to obtain parental consent for minors — a direct precedent to the July 2026 decision.

In November 2024, Australia was pioneering with the Online Safety Amendment Act, the first national law banning social media for those under 16. This measure is regularly cited as a reference in European debates.

July 2023
France adopts a law establishing 'digital age of majority' at 15: platforms must obtain parental consent for minors.
November 2024
Australia adopts the Online Safety Amendment Act, the world's first national law banning social media for those under 16.
France decides to ban social media access (TikTok, Instagram, etc.) for those under 15.