World · Malaysia Bureau
Macron pushes EU to restrict social media access for children under 15
French President Emmanuel Macron has called on European Union leadership to implement restrictions on social media use by children under 15 years old. The initiative comes after France's Constitutional Council blocked a similar domestic ban earlier this year.
LSN Malaysia ·
Macron has renewed his push for stricter regulation of social media platforms targeting minors across the European Union, signalling his intention to pursue revised legislation following a constitutional setback at home.
France's Constitutional Council rejected a proposed ban on social media for under-15s in August, citing concerns about the legislative approach. Rather than abandoning the initiative, Macron has now escalated his efforts by appealing directly to EU leadership to establish bloc-wide restrictions on youth social media access.
The French president's approach reflects growing concern among policymakers across Europe regarding the impact of social media on child development and mental health. By framing the issue at the EU level, Macron aims to establish common standards that could overcome constitutional and jurisdictional obstacles faced at the national level.
The proposal represents part of a broader European push to regulate technology companies' operations, particularly regarding the protection of minors online. EU officials are expected to review the initiative as part of ongoing discussions on digital regulation and child safeguarding measures.