Social networks banned before the age of 15 ? What is the digital majority that Emmanuel Macron wants to extend to the EU ?

L’objectif principal de cette réforme étant de lutter contre la haine en ligne et de protéger davantage les mineurs. MAXPPP – Bruno Levesque

Since July 7, this digital majority already exists in France but in reality, it remains very difficult to control and impose on the platforms.

During his big speech on Europe delivered this Thursday, April 25 in the Sorbonne amphitheater in Paris, Emmanuel Macron put the subject of the digital majority back on the table , already promulgated in France last summer. The Head of State is therefore considering extending to all countries across the country. European Union this measure which provides that the minimum age to register on a social network is 15 years.

This European Union text provides that, between 13 and 16 years of age, user data be collected without the consent of their parents, recalls Le Figaro. EU countries will thus determine precisely from what age in this bracket, the data of a minor can be freely processed. France has chosen to set its threshold at 15 years.

Protect minors

The main objective of this reform is to fight against online hatred and to further protect minors on social networks. However, in reality, this numerical majority is difficult to put in place, as is blocking access to X sites for minors.

Even if social networks are obliged to control this minimum age and in the event of non-compliance, they could face a fine of up to At 1% of their global turnover, solutions to effectively verify the age of users are weak. Still according to Le Figaro, the presentation of a bank card, a video selfie or the sending of an identity document physical or digital are the only tools mentioned for the moment.