France submits revised social media ban for under-15s to European Commission

Submission of the revised draft

On 14 September 2026, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the government submitted a new draft bill to the European Commission to restrict access to social media networks for minors under 15. The notification to Brussels serves as a required step to ensure compliance with European Union legal frameworks before the text proceeds through the national legislative pipeline. Macron stated that he had tasked Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu with formulating a viable legal pathway following the rejection of an earlier bill one month prior. The French presidency aims to have the restriction fully operational before Macron concludes his second presidential term in the spring. Macron emphasized that the technical adjustments were finalized to withstand legal scrutiny from European authorities while maintaining the policy's original scope.

After rigorous technical work, the government is notifying new wording to the European Commission today, one month after the Council's decision.

Constitutional review and legal changes

The legislative revision follows a mid-August ruling by the Constitutional Council, which censured the initial version passed by the French parliament. In its decision, the constitutional body determined that the original blanket ban constituted a disproportionate infringement on the freedom of expression and communication of adolescents. However, the ruling explicitly recognized the constitutional requirement to protect the best interests of children, prompting executive legal teams to rework the provisions. Macron subsequently affirmed that the government would see the initiative through to its conclusion.

Targeted features and exemptions

To align the bill with both constitutional jurisprudence and European regulations, the executive shifted its approach from naming platforms directly to targeting specific software mechanics. Under the proposal reported by Le Figaro and confirmed by an executive source, the legislation identifies around ten addictive or harmful features. These regulated mechanisms include automated video playback, push notification delivery during night hours, and direct communication features involving unknown accounts. By focusing strictly on interface design rather than named companies, the text seeks to avoid European single-market violations. Additionally, the new framework allows teenagers between 13 and 15 years old to access platforms if they obtain formal authorization from their parents or legal guardians.

Push for European Union harmonization

Alongside national legislative adjustments, the French government is seeking bloc-wide standards on youth digital access. In late August, Macron sent a formal letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, advocating for European Union legislation that would set an under-15 social media ban across all member states. The French executive has positioned online child protection as a central priority for the European legislative agenda. Macron noted that France intends to provide firm support for EU-level initiatives addressing platform functionalities and child safety throughout the autumn term.

This protection must also become the norm for all European children. That is why I shared with the President of the European Commission my determination for Europe to move forward quickly and strictly, to harmonize this ban across the Union and regulate platform features.