came here to post this

France first European country to ban social media access for under-15s
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/21/france-ban-social-media-access-under-15s

“For four months, all of us in France will have to prove our age,” she told journalists. “If someone is under 15, the account will be closed.”

French kids about to become revolutionaries all over again by creating online spaces that adults can’t lock down. I’d love it if they brought back IRC and Usenet.

The cowards way forward.

Force these companies to drop their algorithms and do most recent posts by friends/follows.

it's just an attack on safe spaces for queer kids considering the internet was the first place i ever felt safe and comfortable to be myself.

Of course France would be the first. They're the most known to dthrow revolutions.

Doesnt help the whole world is experiencing a gen z anti authoritarian shift.

Even in India right now they are fighting against their goverment. The whole world needs Israel's spyware to protect them and genocide anyone who stands up to them. They need you to ID your online identity so they can Ai filter our your speech and send you to prison for life.

Makes sense why trump is labeling anyone that dares be critical of him or his policies as a "Cuban terrorist"

They are fast tracking it everywhere because billionaires are paying them too.

So age verification I.e. completely deanonymized internet usage. Fuck these privacy destroying laws

Major step backwards... Anyway tor is free have fun sailing to dark seas where their are no rules. 🫠

At some point a splinternet's gonna happen, and it's gonna happen soon. Big Tech is gonna cause the digital apocalypse.

They do not care about kids.

-Access to social media is "crucial for supporting youthful political engagement in contemporary democracy", allowing young people to express their political views and be exposed to other people's views, "to experiment with their political voice and to hone it through interaction with others." (https://phys.org/news/2025-01-explores-social-media-tool-young.html)

" “We need to prosecute the perpetrators of online harm and the tech companies that allow horrible things – sextortion, image-based abuse,” [Candice Odgers] says. “It’s horrific for women and for girls – they are 80% to 90% of the victims and tech company owners and developers are 90% male, so we’ve got this fundamental problem in terms of protecting women and girls online.” " / " “The more we make it a forbidden place to spend time, the less likely they are going to tell us what’s happening in those spaces, the less likely they will be to report harms, the less likely we will be to help them...” " / " “For some people, it’s a support community. Tech isn’t really like tobacco. Its effects go in all directions.” " / "Odgers’ response to concerns about adolescents’ time and energy being wasted by addictive algorithms is that governments should be building better communities and physical spaces for children to play and learn; this could be funded, she says, “with a big old tax on tech”. " (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/jul/16/psychologist-candice-odgers-kids-tech-mental-health-social-media-bans)

"For LGBTQ+ youth, foster kids, and those stuck in unsupportive home environments, [and other young people dealing with abuse/depression/alienation/isolation/etc.] social media is often the only place to find community, explore their identity, or access life-saving resources. Forcibly removing young people isolates those who need connection the most" (https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/06/how-and-why-fight-back-against-social-media-bans)

-We should ban harmful algorithms - the ones that "are implemented, not with the goal to make us happy or healthy, but to keep us engaged and maybe sell us something" - instead of completely prevent access to platforms. (https://www.fastcompany.com/91136834/new-york-social-media-algorithm-ban)

-We need to have better moderation of harmful content, abuse, hate, harassment, etc., and have a support system to help young people deal with issues they encounter.

"Social media can foster social connections, offer support and community, and provide access to valuable information and resources that help young people gain additional emotional support.." / "Young people can take several practical steps to build resilience and maintain good mental health in the age of social media. It's crucial to promote a balanced approach, empowering them to use these tools in ways that support their wellbeing and minimise potential harm." / "For parents, carers and educators open communication, ongoing education, and a focus on building digital literacy are key to navigating this ever-changing landscape. It’s important to equip children and young people with the skills to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. This includes teaching them about online safety, critical thinking skills, and how to manage their screen time and social media use." / "Adults can model healthy coping mechanisms and positive mental health practices. This can involve demonstrating self-care, setting boundaries with technology, and talking openly about their own day to day life.." / "In simple terms, listening is golden. It's incredibly powerful, especially for young people. In my 14+ years as a counsellor, I've seen how impactful it is to offer a safe space where children and young people feel truly heard and understood, without judgment. Reducing stigma is equally important, as it encourages young people to seek help without shame and view mental health fluidly. Showing that with the right support and care poor mental health can get better." (https://mhfaengland.org/mhfa-centre/blog/Social-media-and-young-people-Understanding-the-impact-and-offering-support/)

Parents need to do their job. It isn't our governments job-- or right!!-- to tell us what we can or cannot do online because you'd have to be stupid not to see where this is going...

I like the idea, but question how to enforce without severe privacy invasion.

A ban for children (& teenagers) is a ban to privacy for everyone.

Odd that all these Western governments started pushing for mass surveillance.... around the same time their citizens widely stopped supporting Israel due to it's genocide against Palestine.

Coincidence?

Maybe. Maybe not.

I'm so glad that the governments are finally starting to realize that they're better at raising our children than the biological parents. We're one step closer to the Brave New World that we all desire.

The whole privacy debate aside, why the fuck can we not agree on one age?

France wants 15, in Germany 13 was floated, elsewhere it's 16. Wtf are we doing here

They do not care about kids.

-Access to social media is "crucial for supporting youthful political engagement in contemporary democracy", allowing young people to express their political views and be exposed to other people's views, "to experiment with their political voice and to hone it through interaction with others." (https://phys.org/news/2025-01-explores-social-media-tool-young.html)

" “We need to prosecute the perpetrators of online harm and the tech companies that allow horrible things – sextortion, image-based abuse,” [Candice Odgers] says. “It’s horrific for women and for girls – they are 80% to 90% of the victims and tech company owners and developers are 90% male, so we’ve got this fundamental problem in terms of protecting women and girls online.” " / " “The more we make it a forbidden place to spend time, the less likely they are going to tell us what’s happening in those spaces, the less likely they will be to report harms, the less likely we will be to help them...” " / " “For some people, it’s a support community. Tech isn’t really like tobacco. Its effects go in all directions.” " / "Odgers’ response to concerns about adolescents’ time and energy being wasted by addictive algorithms is that governments should be building better communities and physical spaces for children to play and learn; this could be funded, she says, “with a big old tax on tech”. " (https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/jul/16/psychologist-candice-odgers-kids-tech-mental-health-social-media-bans)

"For LGBTQ+ youth, foster kids, and those stuck in unsupportive home environments, [and other young people dealing with abuse/depression/alienation/isolation/etc.] social media is often the only place to find community, explore their identity, or access life-saving resources. Forcibly removing young people isolates those who need connection the most" (https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/06/how-and-why-fight-back-against-social-media-bans)

-We should ban harmful algorithms - the ones that "are implemented, not with the goal to make us happy or healthy, but to keep us engaged and maybe sell us something" - instead of completely prevent access to platforms. (https://www.fastcompany.com/91136834/new-york-social-media-algorithm-ban)

-We need to have better moderation of harmful content, abuse, hate, harassment, etc., and have a support system to help young people deal with issues they encounter.

"Social media can foster social connections, offer support and community, and provide access to valuable information and resources that help young people gain additional emotional support.." / "Young people can take several practical steps to build resilience and maintain good mental health in the age of social media. It's crucial to promote a balanced approach, empowering them to use these tools in ways that support their wellbeing and minimise potential harm." / "For parents, carers and educators open communication, ongoing education, and a focus on building digital literacy are key to navigating this ever-changing landscape. It’s important to equip children and young people with the skills to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly. This includes teaching them about online safety, critical thinking skills, and how to manage their screen time and social media use." / "Adults can model healthy coping mechanisms and positive mental health practices. This can involve demonstrating self-care, setting boundaries with technology, and talking openly about their own day to day life.." / "In simple terms, listening is golden. It's incredibly powerful, especially for young people. In my 14+ years as a counsellor, I've seen how impactful it is to offer a safe space where children and young people feel truly heard and understood, without judgment. Reducing stigma is equally important, as it encourages young people to seek help without shame and view mental health fluidly. Showing that with the right support and care poor mental health can get better." (https://mhfaengland.org/mhfa-centre/blog/Social-media-and-young-people-Understanding-the-impact-and-offering-support/)

came here too to post this, but you already did

France first European country to ban social media access for under-15s
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/21/france-ban-social-media-access-under-15s

“For four months, all of us in France will have to prove our age,” she told journalists. “If someone is under 15, the account will be closed.”

Its a major step forward onto their own dicks.

Bonne chance pour m'expliquer comment vous allez baiser ma mère maintenant, bande de petits bâtards!

This title is very misleading

They are mandating ID checks

I'm glad I have started my nest-making process. Offline games, older consoles, Linux PC, dumb phone, movies, books, music, board games, letter paper and envelopes.. There's no clear timetables on when the shit will properly hit the fan. I'm personally not going to send anyone my ID just to see a few memes or a pointless post. Most will, probably.

Banking is going to be more difficult, they try to require the app for "safety." Healthcare too, they want you to use their apps for forms or online appointments.. And those apps don't even work properly.