French Constitutional Council quashes social media ban for children

France's Constitutional Council on Friday struck down a law banning social media access for children under 15, ruling that the measure constituted a disproportionate infringement on freedom of expression.

The constitutional authority stated that the blanket ban would apply to online communication services whose risks to minors' health and safety have not been established.

It also noted that the law failed to account for minors' age, family situation or maturity level, nor did it specify conditions under which parents could authorize access or lift restrictions.

Following the ruling, the Elysee Palace announced that President Emmanuel Macron directed Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu to work on a legally robust revision of the bill as soon as possible, taking into account the Council's decision and European regulations.

The president's office added that Macron remains fully committed to delivering the reform before spring 2027.

The legislation, initially set to take effect in September, was a flagship proposal backed by Macron to protect the health and safety of minors.

The bill was passed by the French Parliament on July 21.

For more: French parliament's committee approves social media ban for under-15s