Overview
- French MP Laure Miller filed a bill backed by 121 signatories to prohibit social networks for under‑15s and impose a 10 p.m.–8 a.m. curfew for 15–18 year‑olds.
- The proposal excludes simple messaging services such as WhatsApp, requires Arcom‑compliant age checks, and would suspend existing accounts held by users under 15.
- The text could reach France’s National Assembly agenda in early 2026, drawing on EU guidance issued in 2024 after a 2023 attempt stalled over legal conflicts.
- Australia will require platforms to remove users under 16 from December 10 with fines up to roughly €28 million, and Meta will block new accounts from December 4 and delete known under‑16 accounts by December 10.
- Experts and commentators question real‑world impact given age‑verification limits, likely workarounds by youths, and reduced moderation capacity on major platforms.