France seeks EU backing for revised social media ban for under-15s

The French government has introduced a revised proposal to impose a ban on social media for children under 15 years old, following the previous legislation being dismissed by France's highest constitutional authority, President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday. The Constitutional Council invalidated the earlier law in mid-August, deeming a portion of it an excessive restriction on the affected individuals' freedom of expression.

After extensive technical work, France has notified the European Commission of the updated draft, as this crucial step ensures compliance with EU laws, according to Macron's statement on X. Banning social media use for minors is one of Macron's top priorities, and he aims to have a functional ban implemented before his tenure concludes next year. He has also called for similar regulations to be enacted across the European Union.

EU President Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to deliver a potential EU-wide social media ban for children in a Brussels speech this week. Many countries are increasingly implementing measures to limit social media access due to mounting concerns over its adverse effects on children's well-being.