The government intends to move quickly on regulating minors' access to social media. The Minister Delegate for Digital Affairs, Anne Le Hénanff, announced that the draft bill aimed at restricting the use of these platforms before the age of 15 is finalized and ready to be submitted to Parliament in early 2026, subject to the still uncertain budgetary calendar.
This text provides for a clear limitation of access to social networks for young people, as well as a separate measure banning mobile phones in high schools. The government wants a legally robust system, designed from the outset to comply with European law, in order to avoid the obstacles encountered by a previous attempt at a digital majority, which was never implemented.
A text refocused on the protection of adolescents
The minister is advocating a deliberately streamlined project, designed to allow for effective age verification of users while respecting European regulations, particularly those of the Digital Services Regulation. The aim is also to consolidate several existing parliamentary initiatives, originating from both the National Assembly and the Senate, in order to build a common framework.
For the government, the issue goes beyond mere technology. The executive branch justifies this accelerated approach by citing mental health and public health concerns, deeming it necessary to act quickly in response to the effects of social media on young people. The bill is now expected to be passed before the end of the first quarter of 2026.
