A bill prohibiting under-15s from using social media was struck down by France’s top court on Friday, citing a violation of their right to free speech.
This was a blow to President Emmanuel Macron, who requested that his government amend the law.
According to the Constitutional Council’s ruling, “the law inherently requires every person, even an adult, to prove their age before accessing them because it prohibits minors under the age of fifteen from accessing certain online services.”
“However, by failing to specify the conditions and limits under which such proof must be provided, the legislature has not established the legal safeguards necessary to ensure compliance with these requirements,” it said.
French lawmakers approved a ban on children under 15 using social media, making them the first country in Europe to follow Australia, which in December banned children under 16 from using Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok, among other services.
According to a statement from the Elysee, Macron has directed Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu to rework the draft legislation in order to address the concerns raised by the Constitutional Council.
The Elysee said Macron was adamant that the change be implemented before France’s presidential election in the spring of 2027. Macron is unable to seek a third term.
