French Legal and Parental Challenges Arise Over Minors' Access to Social Media and Online Games

In early January 2026, France faces complex legal and societal debates about regulating minors' access to social media and online platforms. On January 7, deputy Laure Miller proposed a law to ban individuals under 15 from social media and require platforms to verify users' ages. However, on January 8, the Conseil d’Etat, France’s highest administrative court, issued an opinion weakening the proposal, citing conflicts with European law and fundamental freedoms. The court stressed that while France can legislate minors' access to certain content, it cannot compel age verification across platforms. It also objected to the broad definition of targeted platforms, warning it might block safe online services for minors.

Simultaneously, Sarah El Haïry, France’s high commissioner for children, raised parental vigilance concerns beyond social media, highlighting the popular online game Roblox. With about 150 million daily users and nearly 40% under 13, Roblox’s messaging feature was described by El Haïry as a “den of pedophiles.” She urged parents to monitor gaming platforms, not just social media. In response, Roblox Corporation has launched new parental controls and announced an age verification system for its messaging service to improve child safety.

Together, these developments underscore the difficulties faced by French authorities and families in protecting minors online amid growing digital interactions, balancing law, safety, and access.