France’s Top Court Blocks Under-15 Social Media Ban

France’s Constitutional Council has blocked a proposed ban on social media for users under the age of 15, marking a setback in President Emmanuel Macron’s efforts to regulate online content for children. The Council ruled that the restrictions imposed an excessive burden on freedom of expression and communication, as well as raising concerns about age verification and online privacy.

The proposal, which was set to take effect on September 1, 2026, would have prohibited new accounts for under-15s from accessing social media platforms, with existing accounts granted a four-month transition period. Despite the ruling, Macron remains committed to implementing tougher social-media rules for children and plans to draft a replacement proposal for early 2027.

The Constitutional Council’s decision highlights the difficulties lawmakers face in striking a balance between protecting children online and preserving their freedom of expression, as well as the technical challenges of enforcing age restrictions without compromising user privacy.