French lawmakers approve bill banning social media for children under 15

French lawmakers in the National Assembly have approved a landmark bill banning social media platforms for children under 15 in France, aiming to protect minors from the potential harms of excessive social media exposure and online risks. The legislation, which requires social media companies to implement robust age verification systems, represents one of the strictest approaches to regulating youth access to digital platforms in Europe. Under the bill, platforms would face significant penalties if they fail to prevent users under 15 from creating accounts or accessing their services. The measure reflects growing global concern about the impact of social media on children's mental health, privacy, and development. Digital rights advocates have expressed mixed reactions to the legislation, with some praising its strong stance on child protection while others questioning the practicality of age verification and potential privacy implications. Similar restrictions exist in countries like Italy and Greece, but France's version is notable for its comprehensive approach and the severity of penalties for non-compliance. The bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration before potentially becoming law later this year.