Set to Take Effect from the New School Year in September
SNS Restrictions for Teenagers Poised to Spread Across Europe
Following Australia, France is set to implement a comprehensive restriction on the use of social networking services (SNS) by teenagers under the age of 15, starting from the new school year in September. In addition, France is considering expanding the current ban on mobile phone use-which currently applies only to certain grades-to include high schools as well. On December 31, Yonhap News, citing local media such as Le Monde, reported that the French National Assembly will begin discussions on January 19 regarding an amendment to the Digital Economy Trust Act, which includes provisions related to youth use of SNS.
President Emmanuel Macron also emphasized in his recent New Year's Eve speech that "he will protect children and teenagers from social media and smartphone screens." Photo by Reuters Yonhap News
The proposed amendment stipulates that it will be illegal for online platforms to provide social media services to minors under the age of 15, and imposes a requirement on platform operators to implement reliable age verification. Violations will be subject to sanctions, and accounts already opened by users under 15 will be subject to suspension.
The scope of regulation covers all SNS services as defined by the European Union's Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA defines social media as platforms that provide functions such as chat, posting, video sharing, and content recommendation based on user connection and communication. Accordingly, platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat are expected to be directly affected. The bill also includes a provision banning the use of mobile phones in high schools. Currently, France officially prohibits mobile phone use from kindergarten through middle school, but there have been ongoing concerns that the ban is not effectively enforced in practice.
In particular, the French government cited concerns that SNS exposes teenagers to explicit content, cyberbullying, and addictive algorithms as the rationale for pushing the amendment. The bill's explanatory notes state, "Numerous studies have confirmed that excessive use of digital screens has a negative impact on the mental health and learning abilities of teenagers." President Emmanuel Macron also stated in his recent New Year's Eve speech that "he will protect children and teenagers from social media and smartphone screens."
Australia has legally banned the use of social media by teenagers under the age of 16 since December last year, and Denmark and Malaysia are also pushing for legislation to strengthen age restrictions. Reuters Yonhap News
This move by France is in line with an international trend. Previously, Australia legally banned the use of SNS by teenagers under the age of 16 starting in December last year, and Denmark and Malaysia are also pushing for legislation to strengthen age restrictions. Germany is also reportedly considering measures to restrict SNS use by minors, led by its digital minister. Some observers believe that France's decision could accelerate discussions on SNS regulation across Europe. However, debates over the effectiveness of age verification methods and concerns about personal data protection are also expected to continue.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
