French Constitutional Council rejects ban on social media for under-15s

The French Constitutional Council has blocked a law that aimed to prohibit access to social media for those under 15 years old. The regulation had been pushed by President Emmanuel Macron and was expected to come into effect on September 1 of this year.

According to the Council, this ban constituted a "disproportionate infringement" of children's freedom of expression. The court's decision represents a significant setback for Macron's administration, which had sought to impose stricter restrictions on young people's use of social media.

The Council also urged the government to consider concerns about minors' rights in relation to freedom of expression in the digital context. However, it did not comment on another measure outlined in the same law, which prohibited the use of mobile phones in secondary schools starting in September.

In light of this situation, Macron has tasked Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu with preparing a new version of the law. The goal is to present this legislative reform before spring 2027 in order to advance control over minors' social media use.

The annulment of the law has sparked various comments in the political arena, with differing opinions on the best way to address digital security for young people. Some argue that restrictions are necessary to protect minors, while others believe that the focus should be on education and digital empowerment.

The discussion on regulating minors' use of social media in France highlights the tension between protection and freedom of expression, a topic that will remain central in public and legislative debate. France sought to be a pioneer in Europe with this ban, but the Constitutional Council's decision marks a turning point in this effort.