France’s Constitutional Council has ruled against a parliamentary law that would have barred children under 15 from accessing social media, citing disproportionate restrictions and inadequate safeguards around age verification.
- Ban struck down as disproportionate and lacking legal safeguards
- Ruling emphasizes children's rights to expression and access to information
- French government tasked with revising legislation by spring 2027
What happened
France’s Constitutional Council annulled the main clause of a law, adopted by Parliament in July 2026, that would have prohibited children under 15 from accessing social media platforms. The decision came in August just before the law's scheduled implementation for the 2026-27 school year. The ban targeted platforms facilitating user connections and content sharing, aiming to address risks like anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and harassment among minors.
The Council did not oppose the goal of protecting children but found the law too sweeping and insufficiently differentiated by platform type or user circumstances. It also criticized lacking provisions for reliable age verification, which risked unjustly restricting adults. The ruling declared the law’s ban inconsistent with the French Constitution.
Why it matters
The ruling underscores the delicate balance between safeguarding children online and upholding their constitutional rights, including freedom of expression and communication guaranteed under EU law. The Council noted that broad social media bans can unduly limit children’s access to information and their ability to engage in democratic discourse.
This decision also serves as a crucial precedent in Europe, where multiple countries are legislating on child protection in digital environments. It signals the importance of targeted measures that consider service functionalities, risks, and appropriate safeguards instead of blanket prohibitions.
What to watch next
President Emmanuel Macron has directed the Prime Minister to draft a revised social media protection law addressing the Council’s concerns, with a new proposal expected by spring 2027. The government will need to develop a more nuanced approach that respects minors’ rights while mitigating risks.
This case will influence broader EU approaches to child online safety, especially as regulations like the Digital Services Act (DSA) and Digital Markets Act (DMA) intersect with national policies. Stakeholders should monitor how France and other EU countries balance protecting young users and preserving freedoms within digital regulation frameworks.