Social media has long been associated with a culture of unrealistic beauty standards, and the negative impact it can have on mental health and body image.
In recent years, the problem has been exacerbated by the rise of influencers, particularly in the beauty industry.
However, France is taking steps to address this issue by proposing a new law that would require influencers to disclose the use of filters and Photoshop on their posts.
The legislative draft was introduced by French Green Party member, Aurélien Taché, in November of last year.
Taché argues that influencers often promote scams, and there are currently no repercussions for this kind of behaviour.
As such, the proposed law would include fines of up to $32,515 (€30,000) and a potential two-year prison sentence for non-compliance.
In addition, influencers found guilty of breaking the law would be prohibited from using social media to further their careers.
But the bill doesn’t stop there. It also includes provisions for child influencers, requiring that their activities be closely monitored.
Under the proposed law, minors under the age of 16 would need state authorization before they may operate on social media platforms.
The proposed law is part of a broader initiative to create a healthier online environment, combat cyberbullying, and regulate social media algorithms that contribute to the spread of harmful content.
The negative impact of social media on mental health and body image has been a growing concern, particularly among young people, and this proposed legislation could be a major step in addressing the problem.
While the proposed law has been welcomed by health experts and advocacy groups, some influencers and marketers have raised concerns over the potential impact on their businesses.
However, the French government is committed to promoting transparency and honesty on social media, and the proposed legislation is seen as a necessary step in creating a safer and healthier online space.
The potential impact of the proposed law on the wider influencer industry remains to be seen, as does whether other countries will follow France’s lead.
Nevertheless, the issue of filters and Photoshop will continue to be a topic of debate, as governments, health experts, and advocacy groups continue to seek ways to mitigate the negative impact of social media on mental health and body image.
