Top French Court Blocks Social Media Ban for Under-15s

France's highest constitutional authority has stopped a legislative push that would have banned children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms.

The Constitutional Council determined that the proposed ban went too far, concluding that Article 1 of the legislation "constitutes an infringement that is neither appropriate, necessary, nor proportionate" regarding free speech rights. Furthermore, the nine-member panel highlighted that the rules demanded age verification from everyone without laying down proper privacy safeguards.

Parliament had passed the bill over the summer, positioning France as a pioneer among European nations attempting to shield minors from danger online. Under the initial timeline, new accounts for teenagers under 15 were slated to be blocked beginning in September, with existing profiles facing closure four months later.

Following the setback, President Emmanuel Macron has directed Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to draft a revised version that addresses the court's objections. The administration aims to push the updated reform through ahead of the spring 2027 presidential election.

Efforts to regulate young people's internet usage are expanding globally. Australia implemented an under-16 social media ban late last year, while nations like the United Kingdom and Spain are exploring or moving forward with similar age-limit policies.