France’s Top Court Blocks Social Media Ban for Under-15s

France's Constitutional Council has blocked legislation that would have prohibited children under 15 from using social media, dealing a setback to President Emmanuel Macron's efforts to tighten protections for young people online.

The country's highest constitutional authority ruled on Friday that the proposed law placed disproportionate restrictions on freedom of expression and communication while failing to provide adequate safeguards for privacy.

The legislation, approved by French lawmakers in July, was due to take effect on September 1. It would have prevented children under 15 from opening social media accounts, while platforms would have been required to close existing accounts within four months. Companies would also have had to implement an age-verification system approved by France's privacy regulator.

However, the Constitutional Council said the law did not clearly establish the conditions and limits governing the collection and use of proof of age.

The council said the measures "disproportionately" restricted freedom of expression and communication and did not contain sufficient legal protections for the right to privacy.

The decision comes as governments around the world grapple with growing concerns over children's exposure to social media and potentially harmful online content.

France had been preparing to become the first European country to introduce a nationwide age-based social media ban, following Australia's introduction of a world-first restriction preventing under-16s from accessing major platforms including Facebook, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube.

Australia's policy has produced mixed results, with lawmakers now considering tougher penalties for companies that fail to comply.

Other countries, including China, the United Arab Emirates and Turkey, have introduced or proposed measures aimed at restricting young people's access to social media. The European Union has also indicated that it wants stronger protections for children from potentially harmful features on social media platforms.

Technology companies have generally opposed blanket bans, arguing that they already have safeguards such as minimum-age requirements and parental controls. However, major platforms have also indicated that they would comply with government-mandated restrictions.

Google, Meta, Snap and TikTok did not immediately comment on the French ruling.

Macron has nevertheless signalled that he intends to pursue the issue. In April, he urged teenagers to spend less time on their devices and more time reading, arguing that this would help them become better citizens.

The Elysee Palace said Macron had instructed Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu to revise the legislation to address the Constitutional Council's objections.

Macron is determined to have the reform implemented before France's presidential election in spring 2027, the Elysee said. Macron is constitutionally barred from seeking a third consecutive term.