France's constitutional authority strikes down social media ban for under-15s
A teenager holds her smartphone displaying the logo of Chinese social network Tik Tok in Brussels on July 7, 2026. - © Nicolas Tucat, AFP
France's top court on Friday blocked a bill banning social media access for under-15s, saying it infringed upon freedom of expression.
"By prohibiting minors under the age of fifteen from accessing certain online services, the law inherently requires every person, even an adult, to prove their age before accessing them," the Consitutional Council said in its decision.
"However, by failing to specify the conditions and limits under which such proof must be provided, the legislature has not established the legal safeguards necessary to ensure compliance with these requirements," it added.
(FRANCE 24 with Reuters)