France takes second shot at under-15 social media ban after court blocks first attempt

France has submitted a revised proposal to ban social media use by children after its previous legislation was struck down by the country’s Constitutional Council. — AFP pic

First Published: Monday, 14 Sep 2026 4:47 PM MYT

PARIS, Sept 14 — The French government submitted a reworked proposal to ban social media for children, after its previous ban was struck down by the country's top constitutional authority, President Emmanuel Macron said today.

France's Constitutional Council struck down the previous legislation in mid-August, finding that part of it constituted an unnecessary infringement on the freedom of expression of those affected.

“After rigorous technical work the government today is notifying” the European Commission of the new draft, Macron wrote on X.

The notification is a key step, as it ensures that the legislation is in line with EU laws.

Macron has made banning social media use for children and teens one of his top priorities and hopes to see a working ban in force by the time he leaves office next year.

He has called for similar legislation to be adopted throughout the EU.

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen is due to address a possible bloc-wide social media ban for children in a speech in Brussels this week.

A growing number of countries are taking steps to restrict social media access amid multiplying warnings over its harmful effects on children. — AFP