According to the document, "access to social networks is prohibited for minors under the age of 15." As stated in the newspaper Le Monde, this wording does not impose strict obligations on platforms. This is because the regulation of social networks falls under the jurisdiction of the European Commission. Nevertheless, the French government hopes that the bill will encourage online platforms to implement age verification systems.
The bill also includes an expansion of the ban on the use of mobile phones, which was introduced in 2018 for middle schools, to high schools where children aged 11 to 15 are educated.
At the request of President Macron, the bill will be considered under an expedited process, which implies one reading in each chamber of parliament instead of two.
Gabriel Attal, who previously held the position of Prime Minister and represents the President's party "Renaissance," expressed hope for the Senate's approval of the bill by mid-February. If the law is passed within a month, the ban on creating new accounts for users under 15 will come into effect on September 1, and existing accounts will need to be deleted by December 31.
Macron supports this plan, emphasizing that "the minds of our children should not be a commodity for either American or Chinese platforms." He also added that by September 1, children and teenagers will be protected.
The photo on the main page is illustrative: Stephane De Sakutin / AFP.
