France enacts social media ban for users under 15 (euobserver.com)

• Law passed 279-81 on 21 July 2026
• New accounts banned from 1 September, existing by January 2027
• EU Commission recommends features-based restrictions instead
• Critics question enforcement, citing Australia's 85% continued usage

"France passed a law on 21 July 2026 prohibiting children under 15 from opening new social media accounts, with existing accounts to be restricted by January 2027. The ban contrasts with the EU Commission's recommended features-based approach. Critics question enforcement and effectiveness, citing Australia's experience where 85% of under-16s still use social media."