PARIS: France has submitted a revised proposal to ban social media access for children under 15 after an earlier version of the legislation was rejected by the country’s top constitutional authority.
President Emmanuel Macron said the government had notified the European Commission of the updated draft following a technical review aimed at ensuring the proposal complies with European Union rules.
France’s Constitutional Council struck down the previous legislation in August, ruling that parts of the measure created an unnecessary restriction on freedom of expression.
New Proposal Moves Forward
Macron said the latest draft represents a renewed effort to introduce stronger protections for children online.
The French president has made restrictions on social media use among children and teenagers a key priority and wants the measure implemented before leaving office next year.
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The proposal will now undergo review at the European level, with notification to the European Commission forming an important step in the legislative process.
EU Debate Expands
Macron has also called for similar measures across the European Union, arguing that online safety for children requires coordinated action between countries.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to discuss possible bloc-wide measures on social media restrictions for children during an upcoming speech in Brussels.
Global Restrictions Grow
France’s move comes as governments worldwide increase scrutiny of social media platforms and their impact on younger users.
A growing number of countries are considering age restrictions and other safeguards amid concerns about online risks, including excessive use and exposure to harmful content.
