The French Constitutional Council Rejects Ban on Social Media for Under-15s: Violates Freedom of Expression

The Constitutional Council in France issued a ruling on Friday blocking a bill that would ban the use of social media by individuals under the age of 15, stating that it violates freedom of expression.

The Council said in its ruling, “By preventing minors under the age of 15 from accessing certain online services, the law inherently requires every person, including adults, to prove their age before accessing them.”

It added, “But without specifying the conditions and limits under which this proof must be provided, this means that the legislature has not established the necessary legal safeguards to ensure compliance with these requirements.”