France's Constitutional Council blocks social media ban for users under 15

France's Constitutional Council has blocked a proposed ban on social media for users under 15, asserting that it violates freedom of expression. The ruling came on Friday, overriding legislation passed by French lawmakers in July that aimed to restrict young people's access to platforms due to concerns about mental health impacts.

The ban was set to be implemented in stages starting this September, following a push by President Emmanuel Macron, who had pledged to address the potential harms of social media on children. The council's decision highlighted significant flaws in the legislation, particularly regarding its enforcement and the requirement for age verification, which it deemed neither appropriate nor necessary.

In response to the ruling, Macron directed Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to draft a revised proposal that would adhere to the council's recommendations. The initial plan would have prevented anyone under 15 from opening new accounts and would have required existing users to verify their age by January. Critics had already raised questions about the practicality of the age verification process and the likelihood of young users finding ways to circumvent it.

As discussions on social media regulations intensify across Europe, France's decision adds a layer of complexity. Other countries, like Australia and the UK, are considering similar measures, with Australia already implementing a ban for those under 16. Future legislative efforts in France will now focus on balancing the need for child safety with the rights of young people to express themselves online, as the government aims to have a new plan in place by early 2027.