France approves phased ban on social media for children under 15

France has approved legislation to restrict access to social media for children under the age of 15, introducing the ban in two phases as part of efforts to strengthen online safety for minors, the 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Wednesday.

According to the report, under the new law, children under 15 will be prohibited from creating new social media accounts from 1 September. 

The measure is intended to prevent younger users from joining social networking platforms without meeting the minimum age requirement.

The second phase of the legislation will take effect in January 2027, when restrictions will also apply to existing social media accounts held by children under the age of 15.

The move forms part of France's broader strategy to enhance child protection in the digital environment by limiting minors' exposure to harmful online content and encouraging safer use of social media platforms.