Facebook becomes ‘Consentious’ in France: Govt to make parent’s consent compulsory for below 16

NewsBharati    15-Dec-2017
Total Views |

Paris, December 15: Are you below the age of 16? Then first take the consent of your parents before opening a Facebook or any social media account says new French Policy proposed under draft legislation on Wednesday.

The requirement is part of a French bill that seeks to adapt data privacy regulations and improve access to the information internet companies gather, store and in many cases sell to other firms about people’s online activity.

“Joining Facebook will involve parental authorisation for minors aged under 16,” Justice Minister Nicole Belloubet told reporters.

The minister said signing up to join a social network would involve ticking a box to confirm that approval from parents or rightful guardians had been obtained, and that the box-tick amounted to a declaration governed by law.

It was not clear how enforceable such a process would be. Questions remain on how social media sites verify the true age of those who sign up, and what will happen to existing accounts of those under 16.

Currently Facebook requires users to be at least 13, but in reality many pre-teenagers sign up and declare they are old enough to use the service.

The minister's comments came as she outlined a data privacy bill that was approved at a weekly cabinet meeting. The draft bill must be passed by parliament before it can become law.

It aims to ensure easier access for users to all the data companies collect so they can more easily seek to have certain details amended or deleted.