New restrictions on social media use by minors in France

• France's strict action on social media use by minors: On July 21, 2026, the French Parliament passed a new law banning social media use for children under the age of 15.

• With this decision, France has become the first European Union member state to implement such a law at the national level regarding children's use of social media.

• According to the government, the initiative aims to ensure children's digital safety and mental health, as well as to protect them from online risks.

• Under the new law, major social media platforms will be required to implement effective age verification systems, with compliance monitored by Arcom (France's audiovisual and digital communication regulator).

• The law will be implemented in phases: starting September 1, 2026, children under 15 will be unable to create new social media accounts, while the ban will extend to existing accounts beginning in January 2027.