France Poised to Ban Social Media Use for Under-15s Amid Legal and Implementation Challenges

On July 21, 2026, the French Parliament is set to vote on a landmark law aiming to ban social media access for minors under 15 years old. This legislation, part of a broader push to protect youth online, is planned to coincide with a ban on mobile phone use in high schools, with both measures expected to be implemented by the start of the new school year.

The law emerged from a compromise reached on July 20, 2026, between deputies and senators, who crafted slightly different approaches. While the National Assembly favors a broad ban on all social media platforms for under-15s—with some exceptions for educational platforms—the Senate suggested a two-tier system that may offer more nuanced regulation. Despite this, the legislation is broadly expected to pass.

However, enforcing such a ban poses significant challenges. The law must comply with existing European Union regulations, particularly the Digital Services Act (DSA). The European Commission previously flagged potential conflicts, cautioning that portions of the proposal might impose new obligations on social media platforms inconsistent with EU law. Catherine Morin-Desailly, the Senate’s lead on the bill, acknowledged the necessity for continued dialogue with the Commission to ensure legal compatibility.

Robust age verification systems will be crucial for enforcement, with various technological solutions under consideration, including some developed by French entities. This is critical as precise identification mechanisms will underpin the law’s practical application.

President Emmanuel Macron has underscored the importance of adhering to the timeline for the law’s introduction to position France as a leader within the EU on youth digital safety. Still, opposition parties such as the Insoumis and Socialists have raised concerns about the law’s constitutionality and its vague scope regarding the platforms affected.

As France moves to confront the challenge of social media use among minors, the parliamentary vote on July 21 marks a significant step in balancing youth protection with legal hedges and practical enforceability.