France's Constitutional Council has ruled unconstitutional the law imposing a ban on social media use for children under 15, as the highest constitutional review body found that it disproportionately restricts freedom of speech. The law, which parliament had passed in July and was scheduled to take effect in September, prohibited those under 15 from creating accounts on social networks and provided for age verification mechanisms.
Constitutional Council noted that such a restriction is inappropriate and unnecessary, and does not provide sufficient legal guarantees for the protection of privacy. President Emmanuel Macron has instructed the prime minister to draft a new version of the law, as the determination to protect minors has not changed. The new bill must take into account the legal issues raised.
This decision directly clashes with the complex balance between the protection of minors and fundamental freedoms. Although the initiative was based on the idea of ensuring children's safety, the Constitutional Council clarified the legal boundaries that must be maintained during any legislative change.
In the coming weeks, the government will be required to find subtle solutions that, on the one hand, will satisfy constitutional requirements and, on the other hand, allow the implementation of the declared goals.
