Platform operators will be forced to put in place effective mechanisms to verify the age of users. According to Macron, France is paving the way for possible regulation across Europe.
For new accounts on social networks, the law will apply from September 1. For existing accounts, there will be a four-month transition period, until January 1, 2027. During this time, according to Macron, existing accounts of users under 15 years of age will be closed.
The ban will affect all social platforms, but there will be exceptions for “online encyclopedias” and “digital projects with educational purposes”.
Popular platforms like YouTube and WhatsApp will still be able to be used for watching videos or communicating privately via messaging. However, they will also have to implement age controls for features considered part of a social network, such as sharing content or commenting.
Extension of the ban on phones in schools
The law also provides for the extension of the ban on mobile phones in schools. While the ban previously applied to primary and lower secondary education, it will now also be extended to upper secondary schools. However, certain exceptions will remain possible.
The aim of the law is to protect young people from the harmful effects that social networks can have on their health. According to a report by the French national health authority, the use of social networks has a significant negative impact on the mental health of adolescents.
Criticism of the law
The debate over this law and how to implement it has been going on for a long time in the French parliament. Critics argue that the law is difficult to implement and therefore constitutes more of a symbolic measure than a real solution.
One of the main problems is how the age of young people will be verified. The Socialist Party and the French left-wing party LFI have already announced that they will address the Constitutional Council to request a review of the law.