French court blocks social media ban for under 15s
Ruling could have far-reaching implications about kids’ rights to access the internet.
On Friday, a French court struck down a bill aiming to ban access to social media for individuals under 15, dealing a significant blow to President Emmanuel Macron. The Constitutional Council, which assesses the constitutionality of French legislation, argued that the bill's restrictions unduly infringe upon minors' rights to freedom of expression and communication.
The bill, intended to be the first of its kind in Europe, would have prohibited access for anyone in France under the age of 15 from the following month. Macron had championed the restrictions as a top priority for his second and final term, pushing for similar bloc-wide measures within the EU, with expectations of an announcement by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in September.
The French presidential office later stated that the government would not abandon the bill, setting a new target date for spring 2027, aligning with Macron's departure from office. The court's decision emphasized the need for flexibility, suggesting that parents should have more discretion in determining when their children can use social media.
Legal experts noted that the ruling could have broader implications, potentially affecting similar age restrictions in other European countries. The court highlighted that the ban would apply to all online platforms, regardless of their demonstrated risks, and questioned the blanket nature of the proposed legislation.
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