PARIS — France’s top constitutional authority has struck down a controversial legislative proposal that sought to ban social media access for children under the age of 15. The ruling marks a significant setback for proponents of the bill, who argued that such measures were necessary to protect the mental health and digital safety of the nation’s youth.

The Constitutional Council determined that the proposed ban was incompatible with fundamental rights, specifically concerning freedom of communication and digital access. While the bill aimed to curb issues such as cyberbullying, screen addiction, and exposure to harmful content, the court found the mechanisms for enforcement to be legally insufficient and overly broad.

Legal experts note that the decision highlights the ongoing tension between protecting children in the digital sphere and maintaining the principles of an open internet. Critics of the bill had previously warned that implementing an age-verification system would not only be technically cumbersome but could also lead to privacy risks and the mass collection of personal data from minors.

Government officials behind the initiative expressed disappointment, maintaining that the urgency of protecting younger generations from the negative effects of social media remains a priority. However, for now, the proposed age restriction is off the table, forcing legislators back to the drawing board to find alternative ways to address online safety concerns for minors without infringing on constitutional protections.

The ruling aligns with a broader global debate as nations across Europe and the Americas grapple with how to regulate social media platforms. As France continues to monitor the impact of digital platforms on society, the focus is expected to shift toward educational campaigns and improved collaboration with tech companies rather than outright bans.

Source: politico.eu