Law and regulation of social networks in 2026: the essential things to know

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The supervision of social networks for minors has become a central subject in France and in Europe. Faced with the challenges of mental health, exposure to dangerous content or attention capture (infinite scroll, recommendation systems), a bill was adopted at first reading at theNational Assembly in January 2026, then in Senate in March 2026. The text is currently in parliamentary shuttle and has not yet been promulgated.

Carried in particular by Laura Miller, this measure aims to strengthen the protection of minors in the use of digital services and online platforms, while tackling the proliferation of illicit content.

What will be the impact of the law against social networks in 2026?

Ban on under 15s and age verification

The main measure is based on a ban on social networks for those under 15, unless parents have explicit consent. This rule is a continuation of the law of July 7, 2023, which already sets the digital majority at 15 years.

Concretely, the platforms will have to put in place reliable age verification systems. This could include:

• verifications via identity documents,
• dedicated third-party applications,
• or solutions validated at the level of European Commission.

The challenge remains significant: reconciling personal data, respect for privacy and the effectiveness of controls, under the supervision of the National Commission for Information Technology and Liberties (CNIL), and in accordance with the Data Protection Act. The State Council will also be required to examine the implementing decrees to ensure their legality.

This access ban must also be compatible with European law and the rules of Digital Services Act, which already govern the obligations of large platforms.

Reinforced supervision for 15-18 year olds

The text goes further than just the ban before 15 years. It also provides for time limitations for 15-18 year olds – a “digital curfew” – in order to limit the capture of attention during sleeping or school hours. A progressive approach that recognizes that adolescence does not end at 15.

Targeted social networks: TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and others

The law targets the main platforms used by young people, such as TikTok, Instagram or Snapchat.

More broadly, any online platform based on:

• recommendation systems,
• user-generated content,
• or virality mechanisms, may be concerned.

Some discussions mention the creation of a list of non-compliant services, in order to strengthen content moderation and limit the dissemination of online hatred, violent content or illicit content on our children's mobile phones.

This dynamic goes beyond France: several European Union countries are working on similar rules, supported in particular by Emmanuel Macron.

The role of parents: parental authorization and responsibility

The law does not replace the role of families. It strengthens it.

Before the age of 15, access to social networks will depend on explicit parental authority. Parents therefore become a central point in their children's decision to use digital tools.

This implies:

• to understand digital uses,
• to support the first registrations,
• and implement tools such as parental control.

Institutions such as the regulatory authority (theRegulatory authority for audiovisual and digital communication - Arcom) or actors like the Digital Generation insist on the importance of this supervision.

Educational support and current issues

Beyond the rule, the issue is educational.

Young people are exposed to:

• strong attention grabbing,
• sometimes unsuitable content,
• social pressure linked to networks.

Education professionals and digital education initiatives play a key role in developing responsible uses.

These actions are part of a broader vision of youth policies, linked to the International Convention on the Rights of the Child.

What solutions for your teenager?

Faced with these developments, several options exist for parents.

Some choose to wait 15 years before accessing social networks. Others prefer to gradually regulate the use of mobile phones.

Alternatives make it possible to structure the use from the start:

• smartphones for teenagers (without social networks),
• geolocation tools on the phone,
• or even additional devices such as a connected watch.

These solutions make it possible to limit exposure to dangerous content while supporting autonomy.

To go further on uses, you can also consult our guide to choosing a mobile plan for your child.

The objective remains the same: to build a clear, scalable framework, adapted to each age, with sustainable means.

Neow, a solution designed to support these changes

It is exactly in this context that NEOW takes on its full meaning. While the law imposes new obligations on platforms, it also places parents at the heart of decisions and NEOW is designed to help them concretely.

Smartphones NEOW are delivered without access to social networks, with integrated parental controls and geolocation tools. No infinite scroll, no recommendation algorithms, no social pressure linked to likes. Just the essentials: call, be contacted, and stay safe on digital services.

By anticipating the requirements of the future law today, NEOW allows families not to wait for the promulgation of the text to act. It is a concrete, immediate and progressive response, exactly what parents need in the face of rules which are still evolving.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Sources & References

• Légifrance (2023) : Law No. 2023-566 of July 7, 2023 aimed at establishing a digital majority and fighting against online hatred.
• Arcom (2024) : Annual report on the protection of minors and the use of online platforms.