France's Constitutional Council has struck down a proposed law that sought to ban children under 15 from opening social media accounts, delivering a setback to President Emmanuel Macron's government and prompting a revision of the bill.
- Court finds social media ban infringes freedom of expression and privacy
- Bill proposed mandatory age checks and closure of existing underage accounts
- Macron orders government to revise law ahead of 2027 elections
What happened
France's Constitutional Council blocked a recently passed law banning social media access for children under the age of 15. The legislation, which was to come into effect on September 1, would have required social media companies to close any accounts held by users under 15 within four months and implement age verification processes approved by the French data privacy regulator.
The court ruled that while the bill intended to protect minors, it infringed on freedom of expression and the right to privacy. It criticized the law for lacking clear definitions and limits on how age verification should be enforced, undermining legal safeguards intended to protect individuals' private lives.
Why it matters
This ruling represents a significant legal challenge to government efforts aimed at regulating children's use of social media, a contentious issue globally amid rising concerns over digital well-being and online safety. France had sought to become a pioneer in Europe with this legislation, following Australia's earlier ban for under-16s and as part of wider efforts across countries to tighten protections for children online.
The court's rejection highlights the difficult balance between protecting minors and respecting fundamental rights such as freedom of speech and privacy. It signals potential complexities for future legal efforts in Europe and beyond to regulate youth access to social platforms while upholding constitutional liberties.
What to watch next
President Emmanuel Macron has tasked Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu with redrafting the legislation to address the Constitutional Council’s concerns. The government aims to enact a revised law before the 2027 presidential election, where Macron is currently barred from seeking a third term but remains influential in policy discussions.
Observers will also watch how social media companies respond to revised regulations and whether new proposals can effectively protect children without overstepping privacy and freedom protections. Additionally, ongoing international regulatory approaches, including those by the European Union and other countries, will remain relevant in shaping the global landscape for youth internet safety.