France’s planned social media ban for children under 15 is awaiting a Constitutional Council ruling after more than 60 MPs referred the legislation for review on July 23, 2026. Parliament approved the final text on July 21, but the restriction has not yet taken effect.
The bill passed by 243 votes to 2 in the Senate and 279 votes to 81 in the National Assembly. President Emmanuel Macron wants the measures introduced for the new school year, subject to the outcome of the constitutional review.
When could the social media ban begin?
September 1, 2026 is the proposed starting date for new accounts. If the law completes its remaining legal stages, children under 15 would be prevented from opening accounts on covered social networking services.
Platforms would have another four months to deal with accounts created before September. January 1, 2027 would therefore be the expected deadline for removing existing accounts held by under-15s.
The timetable could change following the Constitutional Council’s decision. Families do not need to close accounts now and should wait for official instructions.
Which apps would be affected?
The bill does not name individual platforms. TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook are expected to be covered, while application to YouTube, WhatsApp, Reddit and Roblox may depend on features such as public posting, channels and online communities.
Online encyclopedias, educational and scientific directories, and open-source software platforms are excluded. Similar proposals elsewhere include Canada’s proposed online protections for children under 16.
How would age verification work?
Platforms would be responsible for preventing underage access, but the legislation does not require one verification method. Possible options include France Identité, Docaposte and independent age-assurance providers.
Adults may also be asked to confirm their age. Any system must balance enforcement with privacy by avoiding unnecessary collection of identity documents and personal information.
Users should complete checks only through an official app or website and avoid sending documents through emails, messages or unfamiliar links.
Read More:
- NSW bans nangs sales to under-18s from November
- Bank of England bond sales cost taxpayers ÂŁ36 billion
- Visit the homepage for more latest news
What other rules are included?
France’s media regulator, Arcom, would oversee compliance and report suspected violations to the relevant authorities under EU law.
The legislation would ban social media advertising aimed specifically at minors, including paid influencer promotions. Marketing for covered services would also require a warning identifying them as dangerous for children under 15.
Enforcement remains a major challenge because children can submit false birth dates. The EU scrutiny of under-13 Facebook and Instagram accounts shows why effective age checks will be central to the policy.
Read More:
- NSW bans nangs sales to under-18s from November
- Bank of England bond sales cost taxpayers ÂŁ36 billion
- Visit the homepage for more latest news
What happens next?
The bill would also extend mobile-phone restrictions to French high schools, with limited exceptions available under individual school rules.
The Constitutional Council can approve the legislation, remove particular provisions or block parts that conflict with constitutional rights. Until it issues its decision, reports that the ban is already operating are incorrect.
The latest position can be checked through the official French Senate legislative record.
Make Swikblog your go-to source on Google for reliable updates, smart insights, and daily trends.
