French court strikes down social media ban for under-15s

France's top court has blocked a pioneering law that aimed to ban social media access for children under 15. The Constitutional Council ruled on Friday that the law, adopted just last month, disproportionately infringes on freedom of expression and lacks sufficient legal safeguards for privacy. While acknowledging the constitutional need to protect children, the council stated that the legislator can limit minors' access to social media but not in the sweeping manner enacted.

The court's reasoning highlighted that the law's general prohibition deprives children of access to numerous online services without considering individual situations or the specific risks associated with each platform. It also questioned the blanket ban on all minors under 15, without evaluating risks based on age, maturity, or family situation. Crucially, the ruling noted that parents or guardians cannot override the prohibition or authorize access to certain platforms.

President Emmanuel Macron, a key proponent of the law, has responded by tasking Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to quickly develop a new draft. This revised legislation must address the council's concerns and align with European frameworks. Macron aims to establish a legally sound mechanism to protect children from social media by the end of his term in May 2027, signaling a continued commitment to the issue despite the legal setback.