ITIF - The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation
01/28/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/28/2026 12:57
France’s Social Media Ban Misses the Mark for Teen Safety, Says ITIF
WASHINGTON-Following a vote in France's National Assembly to advance legislation that would restrict users under 15 from using social media, the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), the leading think tank for science and technology policy, issued the following statement from Senior Policy Manager Ash Johnson:
Banning teens from social media cuts them off from the numerous benefits of social media instead of actually addressing the risks they might face online. Many will find ways around bans, and heavy reliance on age verification creates privacy risks for everyone.The motivation for bans is grounded in inconclusive research. Rather than embracing this moral panic, France should focus on policies that enhance safety while preserving young people's access to digital tools for learning, connection, and expression.Children need to use the technology of their generation. Lawmakers worldwide should take a closer look at the evidence on both the limits of age bans and alternative policies that better balance protection with opportunity.The French proposal follows a broader international trend toward age-based social media bans, including Australia's recently enacted restrictions for users under 16 and a similar measure that advanced in the UK last week.
Contact: Nicole Hinojosa, [email protected]
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