France’s top court on Friday blocked a bill banning social media access for under-15s, saying it infringed upon freedom of expression and delivering a setback for President Emmanuel Macron, who asked his government to rewrite the legislation.
EU Criticizes Social Media Restrictions on Free Expression
“The Council holds that the contested provisions, on the one hand, disproportionately infringe upon the freedom of expression and communication and, on the other, fail to provide the legal safeguards necessary to ensure the right to respect for private life,” it stated. This statement comes as several countries, including China, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey, have implemented or proposed measures to limit social media access for young people. In response, the European Union announced plans to enhance protections for children against harmful social media features.
Google, Meta, Snap and TikTok did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Macron cannot run for a third term. The Elysee said Macron was determined for the reform to take effect before spring 2027, when France holds a presidential election. Earlier reporting noted: France’s constitutional authority strikes down social media ban for children under 15 France’s top constitutional authority on Friday struck down a ban on social media access for children under 15, dealing a blow to the legislation championed by President Emmanuel Macron. Earlier reporting noted: Also Read | French parliament backs social media ban for children under 15
Social media companies generally oppose blanket bans, saying they have measures already in place to protect younger users, including age restrictions, though they have also said they would comply with government bans. Macron, who in April urged teenagers to turn off their devices and read in order to become better citizens, has ordered Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu to rework the draft legislation to take the Constitutional Council’s concerns into account, the Elysee said in a statement.
Earlier reporting noted: Macron had thanked members of parliament for backing the legislation and pledged to enforce it by September.
