‘Our Children’s Brains Not For Sale’: Macron Slams US Tech Platforms After Social Media Ban Move

French President Emmanuel Macron has launched a sharp attack on US and China-based tech giants, declaring that “our children’s brains are not for sale,” after lawmakers in France approved a bill to ban

children under 15 from using social media.

In a video message released by the French Embassy in the United States, Macron said the emotions of young people should not be “available for manipulation by American platforms or Chinese algorithms,” underlining his government’s push to curb the influence of social media on minors.

The remarks came after France’s National Assembly passed the proposed legislation following an overnight debate, with 130 lawmakers voting in favour and 21 against.

‘Our children’s brains are not for sale’ — Macron, in a video released by French embassy in the US

Their ‘emotions not available for MANIPULATION by American platforms or Chinese algorithms’ pic.twitter.com/LIiKnOqJ4u

— RT (@RT_com) January 28, 2026

The bill, which now moves to the Senate for approval, aims to significantly limit screen time and protect children from online harm.

If enacted, France would become the second country after Australia to impose strict restrictions on social media use by minors.

The legislation also includes a ban on mobile phone use in high schools, further tightening digital exposure for teenagers.

Welcoming the vote, Macron described it as a necessary step to safeguard children and adolescents from the psychological and emotional risks posed by social media.

He stressed that young users should not be shaped or exploited by powerful online platforms driven by engagement algorithms.

Under the proposed framework, the new rules would apply to new social media accounts from the start of the 2026 school year in September.

Existing accounts that do not meet the age requirement would be shut down later in the year. Educational platforms and online encyclopaedias have been excluded from the ban.

The European Commission has said that enforcement of the law would depend on compliance with EU regulations, particularly around the implementation of reliable age-verification systems.

France’s move adds momentum to a growing global debate on regulating Big Tech and protecting children online, with Macron positioning the country at the forefront of efforts to challenge the influence of major US and China-based digital platforms.