InternationalThursday, 23 July 2026·The Hindu - International
France becomes first EU nation to ban social media access for children under 15
France passed a law on July 21, 2026 banning social media access for children under 15, with phased enforcement from September 2026 and January 2027.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In July 2026, France became the first European Union country to legislate a blanket ban on social media access for children under 15, with the National Assembly approving the law by 279 votes to 81 and 66 abstentions.
Key specifics
- The law was passed on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in the French National Assembly and Senate.
- Age limit fixed by France: under 15 years cannot open social media accounts.
- Phase one starts from September 2026, when age verification checks begin.
- Phase two runs until January 2027, when existing under-15 accounts must be closed or verified.
- Arcom, France’s digital and audiovisual communications regulator, will oversee enforcement.
Exam lens
International current affairs, digital regulation, child online safety, France first EU nation to impose a blanket under-15 social media ban, National Assembly vote 279-81-66, Arcom enforcement, September 2026 and January 2027 rollout.