France top court has blocked a proposed social media ban for children under 15. The Constitutional Council rejected the bill on Friday.
It said the proposed ban was too broad. The council also warned about privacy and freedom of expression. According to the ruling, a blanket ban could affect communication rights. It also would not consider each child’s situation or platform risks.
The decision comes weeks after French lawmakers strongly backed the bill. If approved, France would have become the first European Union country with this age limit. The move was aimed at protecting children online. However, the court said such protection must still respect constitutional rights. As a result, lawmakers will need to rethink the proposal.
French President Emmanuel Macron is still pushing for the restriction. He has asked Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to work on a new version quickly. Macron’s office said the new plan must consider the court’s concerns. The president also wants the ban in place by spring 2027. Therefore, the debate over children and social media is far from over.
For parents and young people, the ruling could shape how social media works in France. Platforms may face tougher age checks in the future. At the same time, lawmakers must find a balance between safety and privacy.
The latest decision shows how tricky that balance can be. France will now have to create a new plan that protects children without going too far.
