France's law restricting access to social media platforms for children under 15 through an age-verification system was struck down by the Constitutional Council. The Council concluded that the measure constituted a "disproportionate interference" with young people's freedom of expression.
The law, backed by President Emmanuel Macron, was submitted to the Council for review after parliament approved it in July. The bill had been approved by the Senate before passing the National Assembly on July 21.
Age-verification rules found unclear
The Constitutional Council recognized that protecting children's interests is a constitutional requirement. However, it said the law did not sufficiently define the risks that the online environment could pose to children's health and safety.
The Council also found that the conditions and limits governing the use of age verification for access to social media applications had not been clearly established.
Macron calls for new legislation
According to a statement issued by the Élysée Palace after the annulment, Emmanuel Macron instructed Prime Minister Sebastian Lecornu to prepare a new bill with a stronger legal foundation.
Macron also reiterated the goal of bringing the measure into force by spring 2027.
What did the annulled law provide?
The bill backed by Macron aimed to ban children under 15 from opening accounts on social media platforms starting September 1. Platforms would also have been required to close existing accounts belonging to users under 15 within four months.
Imposing an age limit on children's use of social media has recently become a priority for many countries. Around 20 countries have introduced restrictions in this area or announced their intention to take action.
These countries include Australia, China, Brazil, Indonesia and Malaysia. The European Union has also pledged to take action on children's access to social media.
