On 14 August, the French Constitutional Council blocked a bill banning access to social media for those under the age of 15, stating that it infringed on freedom of expression. This was reported by Reuters and *Le Monde*.
The bill would have prohibited children under the age of 15 from creating social media accounts from 1 September. Existing accounts were to be closed within four months by social media platforms, which would also be required to use age verification approved by the French regulator.
However, the French Constitutional Council ruled that, although the bill requires everyone to provide proof of age, it does not ‘define the conditions and restrictions’ under which such proof must be provided, and that it infringes upon freedoms and the right to privacy.
Social media platforms are generally opposed to blanket bans, arguing that they already have measures in place to protect young users, including age restrictions, although they have also stated that they will comply with government bans. Google, Meta, Snap and TikTok did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Macron, who in April urged teenagers to switch off their devices and read in order to become better citizens, has tasked Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu with revising the bill to address the Constitutional Council’s concerns, according to a statement from the Élysée Palace. The president’s office also stated that Macron is determined to ensure the reform comes into force before spring 2027, when France will hold a presidential election in which Macron will no longer be eligible to stand.
A ban or restriction on children’s access to social media is also being discussed at EU level, although no decision has yet been taken. A number of countries, such as Greece and Spain, wish to introduce a similar ban at national level. Australia became the first country in the world to ban children under the age of 16 from registering on social media.