Parental controls: ANFR publishes its first assessment and proposes actions to strengthen the protection of minors

This regulatory framework, which came into force on July 13, 2024, requires manufacturers to integrate a free parental control system that can be activated from the very first setup of connected devices placed on the market.

Smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, smartwatches, and e-readers are all covered. Smartphones accounted for a significant share of the inspections, given their widespread use among 12–17-year-olds.

 

A mixed initial assessment

In this report, ANFR reviews the inspections carried out on various types of devices. Out of eleven products examined, whose cases have now been closed, four were found to be non-compliant, including:

• the absence of an option to activate a parental control system during the initial setup;
• the lack of preventive information provided to users;
• insufficient performance of the filtering system for preventing the download of content inappropriate for minors.

These findings resulted in formal notices being issued to the economic operators concerned, requiring them to take corrective measures, the effectiveness of which ANFR was later able to verify.

 

Possible actions to strengthen the protection of minors

Based on these initial findings, ANFR has identified several ways to improve the effectiveness of the regulatory framework:

• Ensuring that the option to activate parental controls is offered up to the age of 18, rather than only for certain age groups;
• Securing the initial setup process so that it is carried out by a person with parental authority;
• Harmonizing the age classification of applications, which is currently inconsistent across platforms;
• Expanding the minimum set of features, notably by including screen time management, blocking developer mode, or creating multiple profiles;
• Making sanctions more deterrent, as the current fine of €7,500 is considered insufficient.

 

Learn more

The report on the implementation of parental control (French version)