French Constitutional Council Overturns Social Media Ban for Children Under 15

On Friday, France’s Constitutional Council struck down a proposed ban on social media access for children under 15. This decision is a setback for President Emmanuel Macron, who supported the legislation. The council found that the legislation infringed on the freedom of expression and communication for individuals under 15. It deemed the restriction neither necessary nor proportionate.

The council also raised privacy concerns about the implementation of an age-verification system for all users. This law was set to take effect on September 1 and aimed to prevent young users from accessing platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram. The French government advocated the ban to shield young people from social media’s harmful effects, such as anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and online harassment.

Despite the ruling, President Macron remains committed to seeing reforms enacted. He has tasked Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu with drafting a new, legally robust version of the legislation. This draft must consider both the Constitutional Council’s decision and comply with the European regulatory framework. Macron’s presidency will mark a decade next year, and he cannot seek another term.

Gabriel Attal, Macron’s former prime minister who supported the proposal, expressed disappointment with the council’s decision. He respects the ruling but maintained a commitment to combating what he describes as a harmful influence on children.

Separately, the Constitutional Council did not address a ban on mobile phone use in high schools, set to start on September 1. Primary and middle schools in France already prohibit students from using phones. This move occurs amid a growing global trend to limit social media access, recognizing its negative impact on children.