The French Constitutional Court overturned a law banning children under 15 from using social media, ruling it infringes on freedom of expression. Meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron ordered the Prime Minister to accelerate drafting a new law.
On 14 August 2026, the French Constitutional Council ruled against the law banning children under 15 from social media platforms, stating it violates freedom of opinion and communication. This follows the French Parliament's approval of the law in July.
This law was Europe's first attempt to directly prohibit youths under 15 from using social media amid concerns about online platforms' impact on children's mental health. President Emmanuel Macron had announced a phased enforcement starting September 2026.
However, the Constitutional Council's ruling prevents the law's original implementation. The Council found that Article 1 of the law improperly, unnecessarily, and disproportionately restricts the freedom of expression and communication of children under 15, conflicting with the law’s objectives.
Following the ruling, President Macron instructed Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to draft a new law incorporating the Constitutional Council’s recommendations. The government pledged to expedite the process, with the President still aiming for the reforms to take effect by early 2027.
France’s move comes as several countries seek to limit children's social media access. Australia was the first to enact a law banning under-16s from social media in December 2025, though many children reportedly continue using these platforms. In May 2026, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed a “social media delay” concept for children in the EU, with new legislation expected within months.
In the UK, former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced in June 2026 a ban on social media use for children under 16 starting January 2027, along with a voluntary online curfew at midnight for 16- and 17-year-olds.
Source: BBC