France’s Constitutional Council blocks proposed ban on social media for users under 15

France’s Constitutional Council ruled on 16 August 2026 that a proposed prohibition of social‑media use for individuals below the age of 15 would be unconstitutional, effectively annulling the measure before it could take effect.^[1]

Court’s rationale

The council found that the blanket ban infringed upon the fundamental freedoms of expression and information, rights whose protection is guaranteed by the French Constitution. It cited the inadequacy of a single, all‑encompassing ban to address the diversity of platforms and the varying maturity levels of young users.^[1]

Industry perspective

Peter Craddock, a senior attorney advising social‑media companies, told FRANCE 24 that the decision was unsurprising. He argued that the draft law’s one‑size‑fits‑all approach failed to differentiate between the different ecosystems and the developmental stages of children.^[1]