France submits new proposal to ban social media for under-15s
The French government has submitted a new proposal to the European Commission to ban social media access for children under 15. This follows the rejection of a previous attempt by the Constitutional Council due to concerns over freedom of expression.
Why it matters
This move reflects a growing global trend of governments attempting to regulate digital platforms to protect minors from potential online harms.
The French government submitted a reworked proposal to ban social media for children after its previous ban was s truck down by the country's top constitutional authority , President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday (September 14, 2026).
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,” Mr. Macron wrote on X.
The notification is a key step, as it ensures that the legislation is in line with European Union laws.
Mr. 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.
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