The French Senate approved a modified version of legislation banning social media access for children under 15, introducing amendments that could complicate the bill's path to becoming law. The upper house's version creates a two-tier system distinguishing between platforms deemed harmful to children's development and those that could remain accessible with parental consent.
President Emmanuel Macron wants France to become one of the first European Union countries to implement such restrictions, following similar moves by Australia and Indonesia. The government aims to enforce the ban by September 2024, but the Senate's amendments have created significant differences with the National Assembly's original version.
The lower house passed legislation in January requiring all social media platforms to refuse new users under 15 and suspend existing accounts belonging to children below that age. The bill also includes provisions for banning mobile phones in high schools.
The Senate's revised approach excludes online encyclopedias and educational platforms from the restrictions. This modification reflects concerns about distinguishing between genuinely harmful content and educational resources that could benefit young users.
the emotions of children and teenagers should not be "for sale or manipulated by American platforms and Chinese algorithms"
Emmanuel Macron, President of France — NDTV
The legislative push comes after France's public health watchdog concluded that platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram were detrimental to adolescents, particularly girls, though not the sole cause of declining mental health among young people. First Lady Brigitte Macron has campaigned against cyberbullying for years.
Nine child protection associations opposed the ban in January, arguing lawmakers should hold platforms accountable rather than restricting children's access. Critics have labeled the approach "digital paternalism" and an oversimplified response to technology's negative impacts.
Implementation faces significant technical hurdles. The European Union is developing an effective age verification system, but it won't be ready until early 2027. The European Commission has backed France's right to impose such restrictions while acknowledging the enforcement challenges.
The government now faces concerns that the Senate's modified version may not comply with European law, potentially leading to rejection. The two houses of parliament must reach a compromise before the legislation can become law.
For Macron, whose government suspended flagship pension reforms last year, the social media ban represents a potential final major domestic policy achievement before he steps down in April 2027. The success of this initiative depends on reconciling parliamentary differences and overcoming technical implementation barriers.
NDTV presents the legislation as part of a global trend, emphasizing enforcement challenges and political context. The outlet highlights both government justifications and critic concerns about the ban's effectiveness.
Le Monde focuses on implementation concerns and potential legal conflicts with European law. The outlet emphasizes government fears that the Senate's modifications could lead to rejection for non-compliance.
Spiegel Online reports the Senate's approval while highlighting the controversial distinction between harmful and safe online services. The outlet presents the development as a significant legislative step with unresolved complexities.