France bans social media for under-15s

France has passed a landmark law banning children under 15 from using social media platforms, becoming the first European Union country to adopt such a sweeping restriction. The legislation, approved by both the National Assembly and the Senate, is a flagship initiative of President Emmanuel Macron's second term. It also prohibits mobile phone use in high schools. The ban excludes online encyclopedias and educational platforms. Macron wants the law to take effect at the start of the new school year in September, but it is expected to undergo a constitutional review by the Constitutional Council before implementation. The law follows growing concerns over social media's impact on children's mental health, with several French families filing lawsuits against ByteDance — TikTok Shop alleging harmful content contributed to teenage suicides. The International — European Commission raised concerns that parts of the original draft overlapped with the EU's Digital Services Act, leading to amendments. Critics, including the left-wing France — La France Insoumise party, questioned the law's constitutionality and enforceability. France joins a growing list of countries tightening social media rules for minors, including Australia, the UK, and others.