France said it was working with other member states to prevent children under 15 from accessing social media anywhere in the EU.
Clara Chappaz, France’s minister of state for digital affairs, announced May 9 she was trying to “build a coalition, with Spain, Greece, and now Ireland, to convince the European Commission” on the measure.
France is spearheading a European initiative to limit social media access for individuals under 15, citing concerns over the negative impacts of screen time on youth, including cyberbullying, eating disorders, and exposure to inappropriate content.
Key Points:
- European Coalition Formation: Clara Chappaz, France’s Minister of Digital Affairs and Artificial Intelligence, is advocating for a coalition with countries such as Spain, Greece, and Ireland to establish unified legislation across the European Union.
- Mandatory Age Verification: The proposed legislation would require social media platforms to implement compulsory age verification systems to prevent underage users from accessing their services.
- Presidential Support: President Emmanuel Macron has expressed strong support for the initiative, emphasising the need for a “digital age of majority” set at 15 years.
- Legal Considerations: While the proposal has garnered support, Health Minister Catherine Vautrin has noted potential legal challenges in enforcing a total ban, suggesting that the measure may face hurdles in its implementation.
- International Inspiration: France is drawing inspiration from Australia’s recent legislation, which enforces similar restrictions for individuals under 16, set to take effect in December 2025.
- Platform Responses: In parallel, platforms like Instagram have called for European regulation and enhanced parental controls in app stores, acknowledging the growing concerns over youth exposure to harmful content.
- Screen Time Statistics: A recent report indicates that minors in France spend an average of four hours daily on screens, with TikTok being the most utilised platform among young users.
Brussels Signal -> Read more about what France wants to do
