French court blocks Macron’s social media ban for under-15s

France's Constitutional Council has blocked a law that would have banned social media access for individuals under 15. The court ruled that the proposed ban infringed upon freedom of expression and privacy, and lacked sufficient detail on age verification. This decision is a setback for President Emmanuel Macron, who had aimed to implement the restrictions by September. The law would have required tech platforms to close existing accounts and use approved age-verification tools. Macron has instructed the Prime Minister to rework the legislation to address the council's concerns, with the goal of enacting a revised reform before spring 2027. This development occurs as other countries, including Australia, the UK, Indonesia, and Malaysia, are also introducing or preparing to introduce restrictions on children's social media use.

France's Constitutional Council has blocked a law that would have banned social media access for individuals under 15. The court ruled that the ban infringed upon freedom of expression and communication, deeming it inappropriate, unnecessary, and disproportionate. The legislation, passed by lawmakers in July, also faced criticism for its age verification requirements. In response, President Emmanuel Macron has instructed the Prime Minister to prepare a new draft of the law, aiming to address the council's concerns and implement the reform by early 2027.

France's Constitutional Council has blocked a law that would have banned children under 15 from using social media. The court ruled that the ban infringes on fundamental freedoms, specifically freedom of expression and communication, without adequate legal guarantees. This legislation, passed by both chambers of Parliament, was intended to address concerns about the harmful effects of digital content on youth. President Emmanuel Macron has stated his determination to implement a revised, legally sound ban by spring, tasking the Prime Minister with developing a new proposal that aligns with the court's decision and European legal frameworks.