Constitutional Court strikes down ban on social media for under-15s

On Friday, August 14, the Constitutional Court ruled against Article 1 of the proposed law that aimed to prohibit access to social media for children under 15. According to the institution, this measure constitutes an infringement on freedom of expression and communication and is neither appropriate, necessary, nor proportionate.

This decision follows a challenge by left-wing lawmakers who contested the provisions of the law. The Court noted that the law, which was set to come into effect in September, involved excessive restrictions on the freedoms of minors.

Emmanuel Macron and his government expressed marked interest in this legislation, which aimed to protect young users on social media. However, this ruling represents a setback for the executive and has been described as a humiliation due to the expectations placed on the project.

The Élysée stated in a communiqué that Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu will need to draft a new version of the law, taking into account the Constitutional Court's decision as well as the European framework on the issue.

Moreover, other countries such as Australia, Spain, and Brazil are also considering similar legislation regarding minors' access to social media, reflecting a global interest in this topic.

The Constitutional Court's decision raises questions about the balance between protecting youth and freedom of expression, prompting reflection on future legislative drafts in this area.