In a significant move towards regulating digital environments for youth, a French parliamentary report released this week proposes stringent new limits on social media usage among minors. Key recommendations include a complete ban on social media platforms for children under 15 and the implementation of nightly “digital curfews” for adolescents aged between 15 and 18. This curfew would block access between 10 PM and 8 AM, aiming to tackle issues such as addiction, sleep disruption, and exposure to harmful content.
These proposals are part of a broader initiative championed by President Emmanuel Macron, who announced in June that he would pursue stricter controls in the wake of a tragic school stabbing. Macron emphasized the need for collaborative efforts with European partners but warned that France might legislate independently if progress on a continental level proves sluggish.
After months of consultation with experts, psychologists, and social media platform representatives, the commission has provided a robust critique of platforms like TikTok. The report particularly highlights TikTok’s algorithm, pointing to its role in fostering addictive behaviors among minors, which some lawmakers described as an “ocean of harmful content.” The call for accountability has even led the committee chair to request an investigation into whether TikTok’s practices could be considered a criminal offense under French law for potentially endangering users’ lives.
TikTok has firmly rejected these findings, arguing that the report presents a “deceptive” narrative. The company asserts that it is being unfairly targeted amid broader societal concerns about young people’s online behaviors. TikTok executives have previously informed French lawmakers that their platform utilizes advanced AI-driven moderation systems, claiming that around 98 percent of rule-violating content in France is automatically identified and removed.
Overall, the inquiry offers 43 recommendations, which also include enhanced parental controls and increased transparency obligations for algorithms. There is a strong emphasis on introducing potential legal liability for platforms that fail to shield minors from risk. These proposed changes mark a critical step in France’s determined approach to navigating the complex challenges of digital safety for young users. For further insights, see the original report.