France Bans Influencers From Promoting Cosmetic Surgery in 2023 Social Media Law

Paris — France is continuing to enforce its 2023 legislation regulating social media influencers, including a clear ban on paid promotions of cosmetic surgery and certain aesthetic medical procedures.

The measure is part of Law No. 2023-451 of 9 June 2023, titled “Law aimed at regulating commercial influence and combating the excesses of influencers on social networks.” The law was adopted by the French Parliament and published in the Official Journal on 10 June 2023.

The legislation remains in force in 2026, with authorities monitoring compliance across social media platforms.

Ban on Cosmetic Surgery Promotions

Under the 2023 framework, influencers are prohibited from promoting cosmetic surgery procedures and specific medical aesthetic treatments as part of paid partnerships. The restriction forms part of broader efforts to protect consumers — particularly minors — from potentially harmful or misleading online advertising.

The law also restricts promotions involving certain medical devices, nicotine products, and high-risk financial services. Gambling promotions are permitted only under strict conditions and must be limited to adult audiences.

Transparency and Accountability Rules

In addition to product bans, influencers must:

• Clearly disclose paid partnerships and sponsored content.

• Indicate when images or videos have been digitally altered.

• Use written contracts for commercial collaborations.

• Comply with French consumer protection laws, even if based outside France but targeting French audiences.

Influencers operating from outside the European Union must appoint a legal representative within the EU.

Penalties for Violations

Violations can result in fines of up to €300,000, prison sentences of up to two years, and bans from carrying out commercial influence activities. Enforcement authority lies with France’s consumer protection agency, the Directorate-General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF).

Ongoing Enforcement

While the law was passed in 2023, clarifications and implementing measures have been issued since then to align the framework with broader European regulations. The core provisions — including the prohibition on cosmetic surgery promotion — remain active.

France was among the first European countries to establish a dedicated legal framework specifically targeting influencer marketing, shifting the sector from largely self-regulated practices to direct statutory oversight.