France becomes first European country to approve under-15 social media ban
France has passed a law banning children under 15 from using social media, with age verification expected to follow.
France has become the first European country to pass legislation banning children under 15 from using social media. The law is intended to strengthen online protections for young people, but key details around enforcement and exactly which platforms will be affected have yet to be confirmed.
France approves new social media restrictions
Both chambers of the French Parliament have voted in favour of the legislation, with President Emmanuel Macron confirming its passage.
According to Digital Music News, the final version of the law goes further than an earlier proposal that would have allowed under-15s to use social media with parental consent. Instead, the legislation prohibits children under 15 from using covered social media platforms altogether.
DMN reports that age verification requirements for new accounts are expected to come into effect from 1 September 2026, while existing under-15 users are expected to become subject to the rules from 2027.
Which platforms could be affected?
The full list of services covered by the legislation has not yet been published.
However, it’s expected that platforms including the bigg’uns, TikTok and Instagram, are expected to fall within its scope. French outlet BFM Tech has also suggested YouTube and Roblox could be included, while the French Senate has said the rules apply to services that allow user interaction, public broadcasts or participation in online communities.
Further clarification is expected before the new requirements take effect.
Enforcement remains uncertain
Although the legislation has now been approved, there are still questions about how it will be implemented.
As reported by Digital Music News, French publication Clubic argues that changes made during discussions with the European Union weakened the bill, leaving it with limited enforcement powers. Meanwhile, The Lawyers’ Club has described the legislation as “impossible to enforce in its current form.”
How age verification will work across different platforms, and how compliance will be monitored, remains to be seen.
Why the music industry will be watching
France is not alone in introducing stricter rules around young people’s access to social media. Australia has already passed legislation banning under-16s from using social media, while Greece is reportedly preparing similar measures. In the UK, the government has also announced plans for an under-16 ban.
As more countries consider similar legislation, the music industry is watching closely. Platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and YouTube have become established channels for music promotion and discovery, particularly for emerging artists. However, with France’s law still awaiting implementation, it is too early to determine what practical effect the new rules will have on platforms or their users.