France's Top Court Says No to Under‑15 Social Media Ban

Sun Sep 06 2026 03:16:20 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

France’s Constitutional Council blocks the planned ban for under‑15s, citing freedom of expression. The government will try a new draft before early 2027.

France’s Constitutional Council has struck down a proposed ban on social media for children under 15, deeming it a violation of freedom of expression. The decision overturns a law backed in July that would have barred new accounts for those younger than 15 until September, then applied to all existing accounts by January. President Macron has pledged to revisit the draft, aiming to introduce reforms by early 2027. The ruling follows a surge of similar proposals across Europe, with Australia already testing a newer ban for under‑16s. Critics worry that age‑verification tools will be circumvented and that online protections for kids remain weak.

France’s Constitutional Council has voted to block a ban that would keep children under 15 from using social‑media platforms. The court said the law unfairly intrudes on freedom of expression.

The law, approved in July, would have stopped new accounts for anyone younger than 15 by September and applied to all accounts by January of next year. The move was aimed at protecting kids’ mental health, but critics said the age‑verification tools would be bypassed.

President Emmanuel Macron responded by asking Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to draft a revised bill that addresses the court’s concerns. The new version aims to layer safety without cutting out access.

France isn’t alone. Australia introduced a similar ban last December for under‑16s, and the EU is debating a “social‑media delay” that could apply to all children. The UK will also roll out a ban in 2027 for under‑16s with an optional midnight curfew for 16‑ and 17‑year‑olds.

The ruling highlights the growing tension between protecting youngsters online and respecting their right to connect. Stay tuned for updates as France tweaks its approach.