On August 14, local time, the French Constitutional Council announced that it has rejected a bill prohibiting minors under 15 from using social media, believing that the relevant regulations constitute a “disproportionate violation” of freedom of expression and communication. The French Constitutional Council pointed out that the ban may apply to online services that have not been proven to pose a risk to the health and safety of minors. At the same time, it does not take into account the age, family situation and maturity of minors, and does not stipulate conditions for parents to lift or adjust restrictions when it is in the interests of children. Furthermore, the Constitutional Council believes that the Act actually requires all users, including adults, to prove their age, but it does not provide sufficient legal guarantees on the method and scope of age verification, which may infringe on the right to privacy. The French parliament finally passed the bill on July 21, and it was originally planned to be implemented in September this year. Banning the use of social media by children under 15 is one of the measures promoted by French President Emmanuel Macron.

On August 14, local time, the French Constitutional Council announced that it has rejected a bill prohibiting minors under 15 from using social media, believing that the relevant regulations constitute a “disproportionate violation” of freedom of expression and communication. The French Constitutional Council pointed out that the ban may apply to online services that have not been proven to pose a risk to the health and safety of minors. At the same time, it does not take into account the age, family situation and maturity of minors, and does not stipulate conditions for parents to lift or adjust restrictions when it is in the interests of children. Furthermore, the Constitutional Council believes that the Act actually requires all users, including adults, to prove their age, but it does not provide sufficient legal guarantees on the method and scope of age verification, which may infringe on the right to privacy. The French parliament finally passed the bill on July 21, and it was originally planned to be implemented in September this year. Banning the use of social media by children under 15 is one of the measures promoted by French President Emmanuel Macron.