French Constitutional Council rejects social media ban for under-15s

France's Constitutional Council has invalidated a legislative ban prohibiting children under the age of 15 from using social media platforms. In its decision, the country's highest constitutional authority ruled that the measure constituted a disproportionate restriction on young users' freedom of expression and communication.

The contested provision, a key policy initiative championed by President Emmanuel Macron, was intended to make France one of the first European Union countries to enforce strict age restrictions on digital platforms, following similar steps taken in Australia. The council struck down the core article of the legislation after finding it lacked appropriate necessity and proportionality. In response to the decision, the government indicated plans to redraft the text to address constitutional standards.

Sources: Canarias7, El Mundo, Il Messaggero, La Tribune, La Vanguardia.