France's top court has struck down a proposed social media ban for children under 15, citing constitutional concerns and vague implementation details.
Key facts
- •The French National Assembly had previously approved the bill on July 21 with a vote of 279 to 81.
- •The Constitutional Council ruled the bill violated rights to freedom of speech and private life.
- •Opposition socialist MP Arthur Delaporte stated that regulating social media platforms remains a priority despite the court's decision.
- •The government's revised timeline for the reform is now set for spring 2027.
France's Constitutional Council has blocked a government-backed bill that sought to ban social media access for children under 15. The ruling, issued on August 14, found that the proposed legislation was overly vague and infringed upon constitutional rights regarding freedom of speech and private life.
By the numbers
Court Ruling and Constitutional Concerns
The Constitutional Council determined that the age-verification mechanism required by the bill was not adequately designed. The court stated that the proposed ban was neither necessary nor proportionate, suggesting that less restrictive measures could achieve the goal of protecting minors from online risks such as harassment, sleep disorders, and predatory behavior.
Government Response and Future Plans
Despite the setback, President Emmanuel Macron remains committed to the reform. He has tasked Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu with drafting a new version of the bill that addresses the court's objections. The government now aims to implement the measure by spring 2027, moving away from the original target date of September 1.
Timeline
- 21 JulyThe French National Assembly passed the age-restriction bill.
- 14 AugustThe Constitutional Council struck down the bill.
- Spring 2027The government's new target date for implementing the reform.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by EUobserver.
