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French Court Rules Social Media Ban for Under-15s Unconstitutional
🇦🇷 Argentina /Culture & Society

French Court Rules Social Media Ban for Under-15s Unconstitutional

From La Nación · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • France's top constitutional court struck down a law banning social media use for children under 15.
  • The court ruled the ban violated minors' freedom of expression and communication, finding it disproportionate.
  • While upholding the need to protect children, the court found the broad prohibition inadequately justified, prompting President Macron to seek a legally sound redraft.

France's highest constitutional authority has declared a law aimed at prohibiting social media use for children under 15 unconstitutional. The Constitutional Council determined that the law's first article infringes upon the freedom of expression and communication for minors under the age of 15, deeming the measure "not adequate, necessary, nor proportionate."

supposes a violation that is not adequate, necessary, nor proportionate to the freedom of expression and communication of minors under 15 years of age.

— Constitutional CouncilThe court's reasoning for deeming the ban unconstitutional.

The Council acknowledged the "constitutional requirement to protect the best interests of the child." However, it cautioned that such a sweeping prohibition could apply to online communication services where risks to minors are not clearly established. The law, scheduled to take effect on September 1, would have restricted access to platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram, as well as certain websites and messaging services.

the constitutional requirement to protect the best interests of the child

— Constitutional CouncilAcknowledging the state's obligation towards child welfare.

While the law included exceptions for online encyclopedias and educational sites, the Council found these provisions too limited. Following the ruling, President Emmanuel Macron tasked Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu with working on a "legally solid wording" of the text as swiftly as possible, considering the Council's decision. The French presidency reaffirmed its commitment to enacting such legislation by spring 2027.

is susceptible of applying to online communication services whose risks for the health and safety of minors (...) are not established.

— Constitutional CouncilCritiquing the broad scope of the prohibited services.

France's move was part of a global trend, with Australia being the first country to ban social media for under-16s in late 2025. Several other nations, including Brazil, Indonesia, the UK, and New Zealand, have since adopted or are considering similar bans. The European Commission also announced plans in July for a gradual introduction of minors to social media.

work on a legally solid wording of the text as soon as possible

— President Emmanuel MacronInstructing the Prime Minister to redraft the law following the court's decision.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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