France's Constitutional Council strikes down social media ban for under-15s

France's highest constitutional authority recently ruled against a proposed ban on social media access for children under 15, a move that undermines President Emmanuel Macron's legislation. The Constitutional Council declared that Article 1 of the bill violates the freedom of expression and communication for those under 15, as it is neither suitable, essential, nor fitting in proportion to those rights.

The President had previously expressed gratitude to parliament members for their support and committed to enforcing the legislation by September. In response to the ruling, the Elysee Palace announced that Macron had instructed Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu to work on a new, legally sound draft of the bill. Lecornu will need to craft the legislation promptly, ensuring it aligns with both the Constitutional Council's judgment and the European regulatory framework.

Despite the setback, Macron remains committed to implementing the reform. Across the globe, several nations are implementing measures to limit social media use among children as concerns over its potential negative impact continue to mount.