France submits new proposal to ban social media for children

PARIS – 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 on Sept 14.

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 significant step, as it ensures that the legislation is in line with European Union laws.

Macron has made banning social media use for children and teenagers one of his top priorities and hopes to see a working ban in force by the time he leaves office in 2027.

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

European Commission president 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 about its harmful effects on children. AFP