In brief
France’s top court has nullified a ban proposed by President Macron that would have barred everyone under 15 from opening social‑media accounts. The ruling states that the measure infringes on freedom of expression and fails to provide adequate age‑verification safeguards. Macron has asked for a revised draft to be presented, targeting new safeguards by early 2027. The decision marks a shift in EU youth‑tech policy as other countries also consider similar restrictions.
In a swift ruling Friday, the Constitutional Council struck down a plan that would have barred all French citizens under 15 from opening social‑media accounts, citing infringement on freedom of expression.
The legislation – pursued by President Emmanuel Macron in July – aimed to curb the psychological toll of platforms on young minds, marking France as the first EU country to chart a nationwide ban on children.
"The measure is neither appropriate, necessary nor proportionate," the Council said, adding that the required age‑verification system failed to meet legal safeguards. The court’s decision means the ban, slated to begin in September, is cancelled.
Macron immediately asked Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to draft a revised law in line with the Council’s findings, with a target to implement protection measures no later than early 2027.
The ruling comes amid a surge of EU‑wide youth‑related tech restrictions. Ursula von der Leyen has floated a “social‑media delay” for children, while the UK is banning under‑16s from January 2027 and considering 16‑17‑year‑olds’ midnight curfew.
France’s decision will be closely watched, as it indicates how the bloc balances child safety with digital rights – a debate that is already sparking online discussions in cities from Paris to Marseille.
What’s next? Citizens and campaigns are calling for a nationwide age verification system that is secure, privacy‑respectful, and effective. Follow our live updates for real‑time commentary from parents and experts alike.
