The National Assembly of France approved on Monday, January 26, with an overwhelming majority, the key article of a proposed law that prohibits the use of social networks for people under the age of 15, a measure aimed at protecting the health of children and adolescents, supported by the government and President Emmanuel Macron, writes AFP. The full text is to be adopted on Monday evening.
The measure aims to protect the health of children and adolescents. PHOTO Shutterstock
Deputies from the National Assembly of France have given the green light to an amendment that provides that “access to an online social networking service provided by an online platform is prohibited to minors under the age of fifteen”, according to the French agency, quoted by Agerpres.
With 116 votes for and 23 against, the article thus drafted, which provides for entry into force in September 2026, was adopted.
Another amendment, considered “inconsistent with EU law”
There is another amendment, adopted with a small difference of votes, which establishes that social network providerse “guarantees that minors are not exposed to excessive commercial pressure” and forbids “promotion of products or services likely to affect the physical or mental health of minors” on the social networks intended for them.
Laure Miller (Renaissance, center-right), the rapporteur of the bill, expressed her regret at the adoption of this last amendment, which she considers “non-compliant with European Union law“, thus presenting the risk of being “rejected by the European Commission”.
