PARIS: France has approved legislation banning children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms, with the restrictions set to be implemented in two phases.
According to international media reports, the first phase will take effect on Sept. 1, when children under 15 will no longer be allowed to create new social media accounts. The second phase, scheduled for January 2027, will extend the restrictions to existing accounts.
French President Emmanuel Macron described the legislation as a significant step toward protecting children online.
The move follows similar measures announced by several countries. The United Kingdom and Australia have also introduced plans to restrict social media access for children under 16, while Britain is additionally moving to ban the sale of energy drinks to minors.
More read, Oman enforces tough cybercrime rules on social media users
Earlier, Oman’s Public Prosecution has issued a stern warning against the misuse of social media and digital technology, saying anyone who shares another person’s private photos, videos, messages or personal information without consent could face up to three years in prison.
Authorities said the country’s cybercrime law prohibits photographing, recording, storing, copying, transmitting or publishing a person’s images or videos without permission.
The restrictions also apply to the unauthorized recording or disclosure of private conversations and phone calls.
The Public Prosecution said publishing photos, videos, audio clips, comments or other information online with the intent to harm another person is a criminal offense, even if the material is authentic.
