Goa, July 22 -- France has become the first European Union member state to prohibit children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms, following the approval of landmark legislation aimed at safeguarding young users from online risks.

Under the new law, social media companies will be required to implement age verification measures to ensure users are at least 15 years old. Platforms must also identify and remove existing accounts belonging to underage users.

The legislation seeks to tackle growing concerns over the harmful effects of social media on children, including cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content and mental health challenges linked to excessive online use.

French lawmakers said the move is intended...