France's top court blocks bill to ban social media for children under 15

France's top court, the Constitutional Council, has rejected a proposed bill that aimed to prohibit social media access for children under the age of 15. The decision, delivered on Friday, August 14, 2026, found that certain provisions of the legislation infringed upon fundamental freedoms.

The court determined that the bill disproportionately restricted freedom of expression and communication. Additionally, it raised concerns about privacy, noting that while the law required age verification, it failed to sufficiently specify the conditions and limits under which such personal information would be collected and utilized.

This ruling marks a setback for President Emmanuel Macron, who had championed the bill, with French lawmakers having approved it in July. Despite the court's decision, the Elysee Palace indicated that President Macron remains committed to the reform and has instructed Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu to revise the legislation to address the Constitutional Council's concerns.