World

France bans social media for under-15s, a first in Europe

Herz — World Desk · 21 July 2026 at 20:45 · 30s summary · 4 min read

The essentials

On July 21, 2026, France's parliament passed a law banning social media access for children under 15, making France the first European country to take such action. The National Assembly approved the measure 279 to 81, following the Senate's approval that same morning. The ban takes effect in two phases: from September 1, 2026, platforms cannot create new accounts for users under 15; existing accounts must be closed by January 2027. Before enforcement, the Constitutional Council must rule on the text's constitutionality.

First European country to ban social media for under-15s
National Assembly vote: 279 in favor, 81 against
Two-phase implementation: September 2026 for new accounts, January 2027 for existing ones
Constitutional Council must approve before the law takes effect
European Commission exploring similar EU-wide restrictions

Illustration image — Ministry of Information Photo Division Photographer, Public domain, Wikimedia Commons

What we know

On July 21, 2026, France's parliament passed a law banning social media access for children under 15, according to The Guardian and the South China Morning Post. The National Assembly approved the measure 279 to 81, after the Senate passed it that same morning. France thus becomes the first European country to take such action.

The law will be implemented in two phases. Starting September 1, 2026, platforms will no longer be able to create new accounts for users under 15. Existing accounts in this age group must be closed by January 2027.

Before the law can take effect, the text must receive approval from the Constitutional Council — a French institution established by the Constitution of the Fifth Republic on October 4, 1958, tasked with ensuring laws comply with the Constitution. President Macron himself emphasized this mandatory step.

The law also includes a ban on mobile phones in high schools, a measure expected to take effect at the next school term.

Exceptions are included for online encyclopedias and educational platforms. No penalties are foreseen for children or their parents.

How it will work

Digital Minister Anne Le Hénanff stated that age verification tools already exist. Implementation falls to the platforms themselves, with a guarantee of user data protection.

The Senate had initially proposed a two-tier system, distinguishing between banned platforms and those accessible with parental consent. The National Assembly ultimately chose a blanket ban. Critics on the left raised concerns about implementation speed, circumvention risks, and privacy implications of age verification.

Context

In 2025, France's health authority concluded that platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram are harmful to adolescents, particularly girls. This report provided scientific backing for law supporters.

France is among 20 countries worldwide that have proposed or implemented such restrictions. In December 2025, Australia became the first country globally to require TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat to delete accounts of under-16 users, with substantial fines for non-compliance.

Timeline

2025
France's health authority concludes that TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram are harmful to adolescents, particularly girls.
December 2025
Australia becomes the first country worldwide to require deletion of accounts for under-16 users on TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat, with substantial penalties.