Under-15 Social Media Ban (2026 Law)
Under-15 Social Media Ban (2026 Law) in France: blocked, effective N/A (struck down August 14, 2026). Applies to Social media platforms accessible to French users. Age range: Under 15. Would have required platforms to refuse new users under 15 and delete existing under-15 accounts
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | France |
|---|---|
| Category | International |
| Status | blocked |
| Effective date | N/A (struck down August 14, 2026) |
| Age range | Under 15 |
| Applies to | Social media platforms accessible to French users |
Key requirements
- Would have required platforms to refuse new users under 15 and delete existing under-15 accounts
- Age verification obligations on platforms
- Companion measures restricting mobile phones in schools
- Builds on the 2023 law requiring parental consent for under-15s (never fully implemented pending EU review)
Notes
Passed the National Assembly January 2026 and the Senate 243–2 in July 2026, targeting a September 2026 start. The Constitutional Council struck down the ban August 14, 2026 (Decision 2026-911 DC) as a disproportionate infringement of minors' freedom of expression and privacy. President Macron has asked the government to draft a revised, EU-compatible bill for spring 2027.
Frequently asked
What does Under-15 Social Media Ban (2026 Law) require?
Would have required platforms to refuse new users under 15 and delete existing under-15 accounts Age verification obligations on platforms Companion measures restricting mobile phones in schools Builds on the 2023 law requiring parental consent for under-15s (never fully implemented pending EU review)
Who must comply with Under-15 Social Media Ban (2026 Law) in France?
Social media platforms accessible to French users
When does Under-15 Social Media Ban (2026 Law) take effect and what is its status?
Effective N/A (struck down August 14, 2026). Current status: blocked. Passed the National Assembly January 2026 and the Senate 243–2 in July 2026, targeting a September 2026 start. The Constitutional Council struck down the ban August 14, 2026 (Decision 2026-911 DC) as a disproportionate infringement of minors' freedom of expression and privacy. President Macron has asked the government to draft a revised, EU-compatible bill for spring 2027.
Related laws
| Law | Jurisdiction | Category | Status | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social Media Minimum Age Law | Australia | International | active | December 10, 2025 |
| Online Safety Act — Age Verification Requirements | United Kingdom | International | active | July 25, 2025 |
| Online Safety Act — Child Safety Regime | United Kingdom | International | active | July 25, 2025 |
| Under-16 Social Media Ban (Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 regulations) | United Kingdom | International | pending | Spring 2027 (expected) |
| Digital Services Act — Guidelines on Protecting Minors | European Union | International | active | July 14, 2025 |
| EU Digital Minimum Age & Mandatory Age Assurance Initiative | European Union | International | pending | TBD (Commission proposal expected; Digital Fairness Act 2026) |
| GDPR — Children's Consent Requirements | European Union | International | active | May 25, 2018 |
| Organic Law for the Protection of Minors in Digital Environments | Spain | International | pending | TBD (parliamentary approval expected autumn 2026) |
Put it into practice
- Generate the policy: COPPA policy generator (generatepolicy.com)
- Buy the policy pack: Privacy Program Bundle (cyberpolicy.shop)
- Build it yourself: 2026 US Privacy Program Workbook (ciso.diy)