83% of young people aged 11 to 17 are exposed to at least one online risk, and 77% encounter content that is concerning for their mental health, France - holding the G7 presidency in 2026 - is mobilizing to protect minors online.
As a public health issue engaging both governments and citizens, protecting minors online requires a concrete identification of the risks faced by this population. This is a prerequisite for building a safer digital environment and promoting uses that are better suited to children’s development.
In this context, during his visit to India from February 17 to 19, the President of the Republic, accompanied by the Minister Delegate for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs, took part in discussions contributing to the Digital track of the French G7 Presidency.
On the sidelines of the AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, during the event “Protecting Children in the Age of AI” held on February 18 and labeled under the French G7 Presidency, the Minister reiterated France’s ambitions regarding online child protection and the digital sector.
France thus confirmed its ambition to extend reflections on online child protection to consumer-facing generative AI, addressing risks related to its use by and for children. The Minister highlighted recent progress in France, notably the adoption of legislation banning access to social media for minors under the age of fifteen, as well as the creation of an expert commission on the risks of generative AI.
The discussions made it possible to examine the new challenges raised by consumer generative AI, to question the responsibility of AI developers and platforms, and to highlight the commitment of associations, foundations, and civil society actors.
At the conclusion of the event, the Minister announced an international call for scientific contributions to support the work of this commission, whose findings will be presented alongside the French G7 Presidency, contributing to the development of concrete recommendations and new shared standards.
International mobilization to strengthen children’s online safety, along with the development of a common protection framework, are key priorities that the Digital track will carry throughout the French G7 Presidency.