France’s top court blocks social media ban for under-15s
Summary
France’s top court has blocked a bill that would have banned social media access for under-15s, saying it infringed on freedom of expression and privacy. President Emmanuel Macron has ordered the government to rewrite the legislation ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Key Points
- France’s Constitutional Council struck down the under-15 social media ban bill, ruling that it disproportionately infringed on freedom of expression and communication.
- The bill required age verification and would have forced platforms to close existing accounts for under-15s within four months.
- President Emmanuel Macron has ordered Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu to revise the draft law to address the court’s concerns.
- The proposal came amid wider global efforts to restrict children’s access to social media, including moves in Australia and debates in the EU.
