France is set to introduce even stricter regulations on social media access, with lawmakers eyeing a possible ban on virtual private networks (VPNs) as part of its efforts to keep minors off online platforms. Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs Anne Le Hénanff recently stated that VPNs could be the next target in the government's push to restrict children under 15 from accessing social media, citing concerns over their ability to circumvent existing age restrictions.
The move comes as France's National Assembly has already voted in favor of a ban on social media use for minors under the age of 15. The proposal aims to protect young users from potentially harmful content online, but critics argue that it could have unintended consequences for online privacy and data security.
Le Hénanff noted that while the current law would protect a large majority of children, the government wants to take further action to ensure their safety online. However, critics worry that introducing age verification requirements for VPNs would compromise the benefits of these services, which also offer essential protections for users' online privacy.
The move echoes similar efforts in other countries, such as the US, where 25 state-level laws have been introduced in the past two years aimed at reducing children's access to social media and sensitive content. However, experts caution that these efforts could lead to a patchwork of regulations that are difficult to enforce and may create more vulnerabilities for online users.
The French government's proposal is still in its early stages, but it highlights the growing concern over minors' online safety and the need for effective regulation to balance protection with individual freedoms. As the debate continues, lawmakers will need to carefully consider the potential implications of introducing stricter regulations on social media access and VPN use.
The move comes as France's National Assembly has already voted in favor of a ban on social media use for minors under the age of 15. The proposal aims to protect young users from potentially harmful content online, but critics argue that it could have unintended consequences for online privacy and data security.
Le Hénanff noted that while the current law would protect a large majority of children, the government wants to take further action to ensure their safety online. However, critics worry that introducing age verification requirements for VPNs would compromise the benefits of these services, which also offer essential protections for users' online privacy.
The move echoes similar efforts in other countries, such as the US, where 25 state-level laws have been introduced in the past two years aimed at reducing children's access to social media and sensitive content. However, experts caution that these efforts could lead to a patchwork of regulations that are difficult to enforce and may create more vulnerabilities for online users.
The French government's proposal is still in its early stages, but it highlights the growing concern over minors' online safety and the need for effective regulation to balance protection with individual freedoms. As the debate continues, lawmakers will need to carefully consider the potential implications of introducing stricter regulations on social media access and VPN use.
I think this is a pretty interesting move by France, but it also makes me wonder if they're really going about it the right way 
. I mean, we all know that kids are smart these days, and banning VPNs just isn't gonna fly 
. What's next? A ban on online gaming or streaming services? That'd be a total overreach 
.
. Not all kids have equal access to technology and internet, so you can't just blanket-ban social media for everyone 
. Plus, what about when they're older and need to use VPNs for work or travel? It'd be like taking away their keys 
.
. Before you know it, we'll have some sort of global 'internet police' force 
, and that's just not cool 
.
they wanna ban vpn's? that's like saying you can't have freedom online lol 
what's next, a ban on messaging apps or somethin'? i get it, minors need protection but the way they're goin about it is just too restrictive 
and what about all the other countries dat are doin the same thing? won't that create a bit of a mess? 
anyway, gotta wait n see how dis all plays out 
. Like, who doesn't love a good 'for their own protection' move that basically means 'we can control you'? 
I'm all for protecting minors, but can't we do this without suffocating everyone else in the process? 
. It's like, what's the government gonna do next? Banned encryption too? 
... but this feels like a big overreach to me 
i'm like 25 btw 