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France’s lower house backs social media ban for those under 15 years old

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France’s National Assembly has approved legislation that would ban children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms, reflecting growing concern over online bullying and the impact of digital environments on young users’ mental health. The decision marks a significant step in France’s efforts to strengthen child protection in the digital sphere.

Lawmakers supporting the bill argue that social media platforms expose minors to harassment, addictive content patterns and psychological pressure at a critical stage of emotional development. The legislation seeks to tighten age verification requirements and place greater responsibility on technology companies to prevent underage access to their services.

The vote comes amid a broader European debate on regulating social media use among minors. Several governments have raised alarms over rising rates of anxiety, depression and cyberbullying linked to excessive screen time and online interaction. French officials say the measure is intended to give families and schools stronger tools to manage children’s digital habits.

The bill now moves to further legislative review before it can become law. If fully approved, the restrictions could significantly change how social media platforms operate in France and how young users engage with online content.

Meta, TikTok and YouTube Face Trial Over Youth Addiction Claims

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Meta Platforms, TikTok and YouTube will stand trial in California this week over allegations that their platforms contributed to youth addiction and mental health harm, marking a pivotal moment in long-running legal battles against Big Tech. The case, being heard in Los Angeles County Superior Court, is widely seen as a test for thousands of similar lawsuits filed across the United States.

The plaintiff, a 19-year-old California woman identified as K.G.M., alleges that she became addicted to social media at a young age due to design features intended to maximize user engagement. According to court filings, she says prolonged exposure to these platforms worsened her depression and contributed to suicidal thoughts. Jury selection is set to begin on Tuesday.

The lawsuit names Meta Platforms, TikTok and YouTube as defendants. K.G.M.’s legal team argues the companies should be held responsible not for user-generated content, but for product designs they say intentionally encourage compulsive use among minors.

The trial challenges a decades-old legal shield that has largely protected social media companies from liability. A federal law has historically exempted platforms from responsibility for content posted by users, and the companies argue that protection applies in this case. A verdict against them could weaken that defense and open the door to broader accountability, potentially pushing the issue toward the U.S. Supreme Court.

Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify, with Meta arguing its products did not cause the plaintiff’s mental health struggles. TikTok declined to comment on its legal strategy, while YouTube has said its platform differs fundamentally from social media apps and should not be treated the same way.

Snap was also named in the lawsuit, but Snap agreed to settle with the plaintiff in January. The company has not disclosed details of the agreement.

As the trial unfolds, the tech firms are simultaneously promoting safety tools and parental controls aimed at teens. Critics say these efforts risk confusing parents and deflecting attention from deeper design concerns.

The outcome of the case could shape future litigation and redefine how courts assess responsibility for digital products used by children.

UK Weighs Australia-Style Social Media Ban for Children Under 16

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Britain is considering an Australia-style ban on social media use for children under the age of 16, as the government steps up scrutiny of how digital platforms affect young people’s mental health and development. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said children risk being drawn into “a world of endless scrolling, anxiety and comparison,” and warned that the government is ready to take robust action.

The move follows an announcement that officials will examine whether features such as infinite scrolling should be restricted and whether the current age at which children can access social media platforms is appropriate. Ministers are set to visit Australia, which last month became the first country to introduce a nationwide ban on social media for under-16s, to study how the policy is enforced. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said Britain is considering the same age threshold.

While supporters argue that a ban would provide clear protection for children, critics warn it could push harmful activity underground or reduce access to the positive aspects of social media. The government is also reviewing stronger age-verification checks and whether the UK’s digital age of consent is too low.

Concerns have intensified amid the rapid spread of AI-generated content online, including recent reports involving xAI’s Grok chatbot generating non-consensual sexual images. Britain has already announced plans to ban AI nudification tools and remove addictive platform features, alongside enforcing the Online Safety Act, which has increased age checks and reduced access to harmful content.

Starmer said no option is off the table as the government works with experts to identify the most effective safeguards for children online.