Emmanuel Macron seeks EU-wide social media ban for children under 15

social media ban child safety online Emmanuel Macron European Commission age verification

French President Emmanuel Macron has formally requested the European Commission to implement an EU-wide ban on social media access for children under the age of 15. This move follows a setback in France, where the Constitutional Council struck down a national law attempting to impose similar restrictions in August, citing concerns over freedom of expression and proportionality.

Macron argues that a unified European legislative framework is necessary to protect all children across the Union and to harmonize regulations. He is advocating for robust age verification solutions that respect privacy, as well as stricter controls on addictive platform features and default safety standards.

While the European Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, has indicated it may pursue a gradual, age-based approach to online access, the proposal faces varying levels of support across member states. Meanwhile, over 130 child rights organizations and experts have urged the EU to focus on stricter platform regulation rather than blanket bans, warning that total prohibitions might shift the burden of safety onto parents and children rather than holding technology companies accountable.

Entities

Emmanuel Macron · European Commission · European Union · European Union · France · French Constitutional Council · Ursula von der Leyen

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 21 SOURCES] The French Constitutional Council rejected a national law aimed at restricting social media access for minors in August. otvoreno.me · rr.pt · www.tromaktiko.gr · eestinen.fi · www.mamme.it · +16 more
[● 15 SOURCES] Emmanuel Macron has requested the European Commission to implement an EU-wide ban on social media access for children under 15. otvoreno.me · rr.pt · www.tromaktiko.gr · eestinen.fi · www.mamme.it · +10 more
[● 18 SOURCES] Macron aims to have the social media ban implemented in France before the end of his presidential term. www.tromaktiko.gr · eestinen.fi · www.reader.gr · www.ekriti.gr · otvoreno.me · +13 more
[● 8 SOURCES] The European Commission president indicated that the EU would consider a gradual and age-based approach to social media access. otvoreno.me · eestinen.fi · valor.globo.com · rr.pt · mreza.bug.hr · +3 more
[● 8 SOURCES] The proposed EU legislation should include regulations for addictive platform features and default safety standards. www.tromaktiko.gr · eestinen.fi · www.ethnos.gr · javanews.al · www.newsbomb.gr · +3 more
[● 20 SOURCES] Emmanuel Macron has requested the European Commission to support an EU-wide ban on social media access for children under 15. otvoreno.me · rr.pt · www.tromaktiko.gr · eestinen.fi · www.mamme.it · +15 more
[● 7 SOURCES] Age verification should be based on robust national and European solutions that respect privacy. www.tromaktiko.gr · eestinen.fi · www.ethnos.gr · tribunanoticias.mx · www.reader.gr · +2 more
[● 4 SOURCES] The European Commission is considering a gradual and age-based approach to social media access. otvoreno.me · eestinen.fi · rr.pt · mreza.bug.hr
[● 15 SOURCES] The French Constitutional Council rejected a national law aimed at restricting social media access for children under 15. otvoreno.me · rr.pt · www.tromaktiko.gr · eestinen.fi · www.mamme.it · +10 more
[● 3 SOURCES] Over 130 child rights and digital freedom organizations, along with mental health experts, oppose a blanket ban, arguing it shifts the burden of safety to parents and children rather than holding tech www.in.gr · www.businessdaily.gr · www.estrepublicain.fr
[● 3 SOURCES] Over 130 organizations and experts have called on the EU to implement stricter regulations for social media platforms instead of banning access for children. www.in.gr · www.insider.gr · www.estrepublicain.fr