French President Emmanuel Macron has declared his commitment to establishing a European-wide ban on social media for users below a specific age threshold. During a public debate in Toulouse, Macron emphasized the urgent need to protect young people from potential online harms.
European Coalition for Youth Protection
President Macron revealed that France is actively building a coalition across Europe to implement restrictions on social media access for minors. The French leader told readers of La Depeche du Midi that the exact age limit remains under discussion, with considerations focusing on whether to set the prohibition at 14, 15, or 16 years.
"I believe we need to move toward banning social media up to a certain age," Macron stated during the debate session. He acknowledged that determining the precise cutoff requires careful consideration, adding "We'll need to settle it. And we are currently building a coalition in Europe to achieve this."
Macron's Personal Social Media Stance
When questioned about his own presence on platform X (formerly Twitter) and social media usage amid growing concerns about online misinformation, Macron confirmed he "does not rule out leaving social media" entirely. However, he clarified that any departure would be part of a comprehensive process rather than an immediate action.
"It has to be a comprehensive process; it's not something I will do tomorrow morning," the President explained. "I'm not going to make an announcement today, but it's something I am thinking about."
France's Existing Legislation and European Compliance
France already adopted legislation in 2023 requiring parental consent for social media access by individuals under 15. However, this law has not yet been enforced due to ongoing questions about its compatibility with broader European Union regulations.
The proposed European coalition represents Macron's latest effort to address growing concerns about children's mental health and safety in digital environments. This initiative could potentially reshape how young Europeans interact with social media platforms in the coming years.
