France’s top constitutional authority has struck down a proposed law that would have prohibited children under the age of 15 from using social media, ruling that the measure disproportionately infringed on freedom of expression.
The court acknowledged the legitimate aim of protecting children from potential risks associated with social media but found that the proposed restrictions were too broad and failed to take into account the individual circumstances of minors and the varying levels of risk associated with different digital platforms.
In its ruling, the court said the draft law infringed on freedom of expression and communication “in a manner that is not appropriate, necessary or proportionate.”
The judges also raised concerns over privacy and age verification, noting that enforcing the proposed ban would effectively require all users, including adults, to prove their age before accessing social media platforms.
French lawmakers had previously voted overwhelmingly in favour of the measure, which would have made France the first European Union country to introduce a nationwide minimum age of 15 for social media use.
Despite the court’s decision, the French government has indicated that it remains committed to strengthening protections for children online.
President Emmanuel Macron has tasked Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu with revising the proposal “as quickly as possible” in an effort to develop a legally compliant framework by spring 2027.
The ruling comes amid a growing international debate over how governments should protect children from online risks while safeguarding privacy and freedom of expression.
Several countries are currently considering minimum age requirements for social media platforms, following similar measures introduced in Australia.