French teen social media ban struck down by top constitutional authority
France's social media ban, which was due to take effect on Sept. 1, would have barred younger users from networks such as TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram.
August 14, 2026 / 12:15 PM EDT / CBS/AFP
France's top constitutional authority on Friday struck down a ban on social media access for children under 15, dealing a blow to the legislation championed by President Emmanuel Macron.
The Constitutional Council found that Article 1 of the legislation "constitutes an infringement that is neither appropriate, necessary, nor proportionate" to the freedom of expression and communication of those under 15.
In its ruling, the Constitutional Council also expressed concern about the potential impact on privacy of introducing an age-verification system for all users.
The French government had promoted the ban as a way to better protect young people from the harmful effects associated with social media platforms, including anxiety, depression, sleep disorders and online harassment.