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France's top court strikes down social media ban for under-15s
🇸🇬 Singapore /Culture & Society

France's top court strikes down social media ban for under-15s

From CNA · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • France's Constitutional Council struck down a law banning social media for children under 15.
  • The council ruled the ban infringed on freedom of expression and was not proportionate.
  • President Macron's office stated the president remains determined to implement a similar, legally sound restriction.

France's top constitutional authority on Friday struck down a ban on social media access for children under 15, a significant setback for legislation championed by President Emmanuel Macron. The Constitutional Council ruled that the ban "constitutes an infringement that is neither appropriate, necessary, nor proportionate" to the freedom of expression and communication for those under 15.

Macron had previously thanked lawmakers for supporting the legislation and pledged to enforce it by September. Following the ruling, the Elysee Palace announced that Macron has tasked Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu with developing a new "legally robust draft" of the legislation. Lecornu is expected to work quickly to create a draft that aligns with both the council's decision and European regulatory frameworks.

constitutes an infringement that is neither appropriate, necessary, nor proportionate

— Constitutional CouncilThe council's ruling on the social media ban for under-15s.

The presidency emphasized that Macron's commitment to enacting such a reform remains strong. The decision comes as a growing number of countries are implementing measures to limit social media use due to increasing concerns about its detrimental effects on children.

legally robust draft

— Elysee PalaceThe instruction given to the Prime Minister to create a new version of the legislation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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