France's top court blocks social media ban for under-15s
The bill would have barred children younger than 15 from opening a social media account from September 1. Accounts already open would be closed within four months by social media platforms, which would also need to use age verification approved by the French privacy regulator.
France's top court has halted a proposed law that would have banned under-15s from accessing social media, deeming it a violation of freedom of expression. The ruling dealt a blow to President Emmanuel Macron, who had requested his government to revise the legislation. The bill aimed to prohibit children under 15 from creating social media accounts on September 1, with existing accounts set to be closed within four months.
Social media platforms would also need to implement age verification measures approved by the French privacy regulator. However, the Constitutional Council found the bill lacking in specifying conditions and limits for age proof provision, and infringing upon freedoms and privacy. This decision follows Australia, which became the first country in Europe to implement a ban on social media access for under-16s in December.
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Also reported by 5 other outlets
- France's top court blocks under-15 social media ban, citing constitutional freedoms pbs.org
- France's top court blocks social media ban for under 15s rte.ie
- France: Top watchdog blocks social media ban for children dw.com
- France's top court blocks social media ban for under-15s bbc.co.uk
- France's Top Court Blocks Under-15 Social Media Ban, Cites Free Speech ndtv.com
