France’s Constitutional Council has overturned a proposed law banning social media access for children under 15, citing concerns over freedom of communication and privacy.

In a significant setback for President Emmanuel Macron, France’s Constitutional Council has rejected a proposed law that sought to ban children under 15 from accessing social media platforms. The court ruled that the legislation represented a disproportionate infringement on freedom of expression and communication, as well as a violation of privacy rights.

The law, which had been approved by both the National Assembly and the Senate earlier this year, was intended to take effect on September 1. It aimed to restrict access to platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube for minors, while also expanding existing bans on mobile phone use in schools. However, the court highlighted the lack of a legal framework to enforce age verification measures, which would have required all users, including adults, to prove their age before accessing these services.

President Macron, who had championed the legislation as a way to position France as a leader in digital child protection, has vowed to revise the proposal. His administration plans to address the court’s concerns and push for a reworked version of the law before the spring of 2027. Meanwhile, other European nations, including Spain and Austria, are considering similar measures, as the debate over balancing child safety and digital freedoms continues to gain momentum.