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While Australia has recently implemented strict measures to limit social media access for those under 16, Emmanuel Macron is considering adopting a similar approach in France. During an exchange in Saint-Malo, the president shared his thoughts on implementing age verifications, similar to those used for pornographic sites. This initiative could transform young people’s access to digital platforms.
The 3 key points not to miss
During a public intervention in Saint-Malo, Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed his desire to make social networks inaccessible to minors in France, following the Australian example. For the president, it is necessary to act to protect young people from inappropriate content and potential dangers related to uncontrolled use of social networks.
This approach is part of a broader reflection on regulating Internet access for young people, a topic that is gaining importance globally. Australia has already taken firm measures, requiring tech giants like Meta and TikTok to verify users’ ages, under threat of heavy financial penalties.
In France, a bill submitted last November 18 aims to regulate smartphone use and introduce new obligations for social networks to protect minors. Currently, the Council of State is evaluating this text, which could transform young people’s interaction with the digital world.
The proposed measures include banning mobile phones in schools and requiring platforms to verify users’ ages. Emmanuel Macron positions himself as a key player in this legislative evolution, proposing solutions inspired by practices already in place for other types of online content.
To implement this regulation, Emmanuel Macron relies on the model already used for pornographic sites, where users’ ages are verified via a selfie or ID scan. “It works. We can use this technique for social networks,” he stated.
However, flaws remain in this system, as demonstrated by tests conducted by some journalists. Artificially modified selfies and fake IDs continue to bypass these barriers, highlighting the technical challenges to be addressed for effective implementation.
If such a system were adopted, it would raise the question of national consent. While acceptance is relatively simple for specifically adult content, it could be more complex for social networks, which are an integral part of the daily lives of the French.
The prospect of permanent identification for each user raises concerns about privacy and the security of personal data. Discussions around this proposal will therefore need to find a balance between protecting young people and respecting individual freedoms.
Social networks have become central elements of communication and social interaction, especially among young people. In France, the issue of their regulation has gained momentum in recent years, with increased attention on protecting minors from potentially harmful content.
The debate is part of an international context where several countries, like Australia, are taking measures to control young people’s access to digital platforms. The French initiatives, led by Emmanuel Macron, reflect this global trend towards stricter regulation, while raising critical questions about privacy and user security.