France Rejects Social Media Ban for Under-15s: Explained

France's Constitutional Council has struck down the country's social media ban for children under 15, ruling the law a disproportionate infringement on freedom of expression and privacy. The decision, announced on August 14, 2026, blocks a flagship policy of President Emmanuel Macron that would have been the first of its kind in Europe. Parliament had passed the bill on July 21 by 279 votes to 81, and the ban was set to take effect on September 1.

What did the Constitutional Council decide?

The Council said the measure constitutes a restriction that is not appropriate, necessary or proportionate to the freedom of expression of children under 15. While it acknowledged that minors need protection, it found the government failed to establish specific risks to children's safety and health from social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. The law would have banned new account creation for under-15s from September 1 and required platforms to close existing accounts by January 2027. But the Council noted the ban ignored children's age, maturity and family situations, and gave parents no discretion. The ruling followed a constitutional review triggered by left-wing lawmakers from France Unbowed (LFI).

Why was the ban struck down?

Freedom of expression and communication

The Council ruled the blanket ban constitutes a disproportionate infringement on the freedom of expression and communication, as reported by Le Monde. It said the law did not take into account individual circumstances or platform-specific risks, making it too broad to pass constitutional scrutiny.

Privacy and age verification

The court also found the ban violated the right to privacy. To enforce an under-15 block, everyone—including adults—would need to prove their age before accessing apps. The proposed law did not specify under what conditions age verification would occur, raising concerns about mass identity checks and data collection. This echoes wider debates around social media age verification laws and their impact on digital rights.

What happens next for Macron and France?

President Macron has asked Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to rework the legislation as quickly as possible, aiming for implementation before the spring 2027 presidential election. The Élysée said Macron remains determined to pass a legally solid version. The ruling is a setback for a policy Macron previously called a major step forward. Legal experts suggest a revised law will need to include nuanced age-verification safeguards and respect parental authority.

Global push for social media age limits

France's decision comes amid a worldwide wave of age restrictions. Australia's under-16 ban took effect on December 10, 2025, and Brazil has a similar under-16 rule. Britain is preparing an under-16 ban, while Indonesia, Malaysia and Greece have introduced limits. The EU is also weighing Digital Services Act child protections and has proposed phased, age-appropriate platform access.

Critics argue that blanket bans are blunt instruments and can be bypassed with VPNs. Similar to the debate around Australia's under-16 social media ban, civil rights groups have warned that age verification normalizes surveillance and restricts anonymous speech.

FAQ

Why did France reject the social media ban?
France's Constitutional Council ruled the under-15 ban was disproportionate, infringed freedom of expression and communication, and violated privacy because it would require universal age verification.

What age was the French social media ban for?
The law would have banned children under 15 from creating social media accounts, with existing accounts closed from January 2027.

When will France try again?
Macron has instructed the prime minister to draft a legally solid version, aiming to implement a ban before spring 2027.

Which countries already ban social media for minors?
Australia bans social media for under-16s (effective December 2025), and Brazil has a similar restriction. Several other countries are preparing laws.

Does the ruling affect the mobile phone ban in schools?
No, the Council did not rule on a separate provision banning mobile phones in high schools.