French Constitutional Council Strikes Down Under-15 Social Media Ban
On August 14, 2026, France’s Constitutional Council struck down a law banning social media for children under 15, ruling it disproportionately infringed on minors’ freedom of expression and privacy. The law, championed by President Macron, was deemed “neither appropriate, necessary, nor proportionate.” Macron tasked Prime Minister Lecornu with drafting a revised, legally robust version compliant with EU frameworks, reaffirming his commitment to protecting minors online.
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French Constitutional Council Strikes Down Social Media Ban for Under-15s
On August 14, 2026, France's Constitutional Council ruled that a law banning social media for all minors under 15 was unconstitutional, dealing a blow to President Emmanuel Macron's personal goal. The Council acknowledged the government's intent to protect youth but found the ban applied indiscriminately to all social networks and all minors, violating freedom of expression and the right to privacy. It stated that any such measure must be 'necessary, adapted, and proportionate' and should consider the specific functionalities and risks of each platform. The law had been adopted by parliament on July 21, 2026, and was challenged by socialist and rebellious deputies. Macron has tasked his government with producing a revised text before the end of his term.
French Constitutional Council Strikes Down Social Media Ban for Under-15s
France's Constitutional Council has declared unconstitutional a law that would have banned social media for all minors under 15, dealing a blow to President Emmanuel Macron's personal goal of implementing the ban by the start of the school year. The Council ruled that while protecting young people from social media risks is justified, the blanket ban on all platforms and all minors under 15 was not 'necessary, adapted, and proportionate,' and infringed on freedom of expression and the right to privacy. The Council stated that any potential ban must be tailored to the specific features and risks of each platform. The law had been referred to the Council by socialist and rebellious MPs after its adoption on July 21. Macron has tasked his government with producing a new, constitutional text before the end of his term.
French Constitutional Court Overturns Social Media Ban for Minors Under 15
On August 14, 2026, France's Constitutional Council declared unconstitutional a law that would have banned social media access for minors under 15. The court ruled the ban was a disproportionate interference with minors' freedom of expression and too sweeping, as it did not account for varying risks or parental consent. It also criticized age verification methods as violating adults' privacy rights. The law, passed by parliament on July 21 with a clear majority, was challenged by La France insoumise. President Macron, who made the protection of minors a priority, called the ruling a setback and tasked Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu with drafting a revised version compliant with EU law. Macron hopes to enact protections before his presidency ends in May 2027. For now, minors under 15 in France can continue using platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat without state restrictions.
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French Constitutional Court Overturns Social Media Ban for Minors Under 15
France's Constitutional Council (Conseil constitutionnel) has declared unconstitutional a law that would have banned social media access for minors under 15, dealing a setback to President Emmanuel Macron's legislative priority. The court ruled on August 14, 2026, that the ban constituted a disproportionate interference with minors' freedom of expression and was too broadly formulated, as it did not account for varying risks or parental permission. The judges also cited privacy concerns with age verification methods required for adults. The law had passed the National Assembly with a clear majority on July 21, but was challenged by the left-wing La France insoumise party. Macron has tasked Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu with drafting a revised version that addresses constitutional and EU legal concerns, hoping to implement protections before his presidency ends in May 2027. For now, minors under 15 in France can continue using platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat without state restrictions.
France's Constitutional Council Strikes Down Social Media Ban for Under-15s
France's top constitutional authority, the Constitutional Council, struck down a ban on social media access for children under 15 on August 14, 2026. The Council ruled that Article 1 of the legislation constituted an infringement on freedom of expression and communication that was 'neither appropriate, necessary, nor proportionate' for those under 15. The law had been championed by President Emmanuel Macron, who thanked parliament for backing it and pledged enforcement by September. Following the ruling, the Elysee Palace stated Macron tasked Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu with drafting a new 'legally robust' version of the legislation as quickly as possible, taking into account the Council's decision and European regulatory frameworks. The presidency affirmed Macron's determination to implement the reform remains undiminished, amid growing international efforts to restrict social media access for children due to concerns over harmful effects.
French Constitutional Council Strikes Down Under-15 Social Media Ban
France's Constitutional Council on Friday struck down a law banning social media access for children under 15, ruling that Article 1 of the legislation, championed by President Emmanuel Macron, disproportionately infringed on minors' freedom of expression and communication. The Council deemed the measure 'neither appropriate, necessary, nor proportionate.' Macron had thanked parliament for backing the law and pledged enforcement by September. Following the ruling, the Elysee said Macron tasked Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu with drafting a new 'legally robust' version that complies with both the Council's decision and European regulatory frameworks. The presidency affirmed Macron's determination to implement the reform remains undiminished. The article notes a growing global trend of countries restricting social media access due to concerns over harmful effects on children.
French Constitutional Council Strikes Down Social Media Ban for Under-15s
France's Constitutional Council has struck down a law that would have banned social media access for children under 15, ruling that it disproportionately infringed on their freedom of expression and communication. The council found Article 1 of the legislation, championed by President Emmanuel Macron, to be neither appropriate, necessary, nor proportionate. Macron had thanked parliament for backing the law and pledged enforcement by September. Following the ruling, the Elysee Palace stated that Macron has tasked Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu with drafting a new, legally robust version that respects both the council's decision and European regulatory frameworks. The presidency emphasized that Macron's determination to implement the reform remains undiminished. The article notes a growing trend of countries restricting social media access due to concerns over harmful effects on children.
French Constitutional Council Strikes Down Under-15 Social Media Ban
France's Constitutional Council has struck down a proposed law that would have banned social media access for children under 15. The council ruled that Article 1 of the law, championed by President Emmanuel Macron, constituted an infringement on freedom of expression and communication that was neither appropriate, necessary, nor proportionate. The decision overturns a key part of the government's effort to regulate children's online activity, citing fundamental rights concerns.