France under-15 social media ban struck down

France’s top constitutional authority struck down a ban on social media access for children under 15 on Friday, rejecting a measure backed by President Emmanuel Macron.

The Constitutional Council found that Article 1 of the legislation “constitutes an infringement that is neither appropriate, necessary, nor proportionate” to the freedom of expression and communication of people under 15.

Macron had thanked members of parliament for backing the legislation and had pledged to enforce it by September.

After the ruling, the Elysee Palace said Macron had tasked Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu with working “as quickly as possible” on a new “legally robust draft” that takes into account the council’s ruling and the European regulatory framework.

The presidency said Macron remained determined to see the reform implemented.

A growing number of countries are taking steps to restrict social media access amid warnings over harmful effects on children.