**French Parliament’s Committee Approves Social Media Ban for Under-15s**
In a significant move aimed at protecting young users online, a reconciliation committee of France’s Parliament has approved a bill that seeks to ban access to social media for individuals under the age of 15. This decision, made on Monday, aligns with French President Emmanuel Macron's vision to implement the ban by the beginning of the school year in early September.
The proposed legislation would position France alongside Australia, which was the first country to impose a similar restriction on social media access for those under 16. Australia's ban, enacted in December, applies to major platforms such as Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube.
President Macron has actively sought to garner support for this initiative not only within France but also across the European Union. His efforts have resonated with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who has recently expressed backing for measures that limit children's access to social media within the 27-member bloc.
As part of the legislative process, the reconciled text of the bill is set to be discussed in the Lower House of Parliament on Tuesday, followed by a review in the Senate. If passed, the bill would empower the Information Technology Minister to create a list of social networks that will be banned for children and teenagers younger than 15 years old.
Additionally, the legislation mandates that social media platforms implement age verification systems that must be approved by the French privacy regulator. This requirement aims to ensure that only users who meet the age criteria can access these platforms.
The bill also addresses smartphone usage in educational settings by proposing a ban on the use of smartphones in high schools, further emphasizing the government's commitment to safeguarding the well-being of minors in both online and offline environments.
As discussions continue, the outcome of the bill could set a precedent for other countries considering similar measures to regulate social media access for younger populations.