France's top court blocks social media ban for under-15s

The decision comes as the government sought to curb teen screen‑time amid growing concerns about digital wellbeing. By striking down the restriction, the council left the assisted‑dying law intact while immediately halting the new social‑media measure, a move that resonates with similar debates across Europe. Proponents argued the measure would protect minors from online harms and cited studies linking early exposure to mental‑health challenges.

Critics warned that a blanket ban could infringe on freedom of expression and exceed the state’s authority. France 24 and Al Jazeera emphasized that the same session also confirmed the assisted‑dying law, underscoring the breadth of the council’s agenda. The ban for under‑15s is therefore not in force, and the existing legal framework governing minors’ access to social‑media platforms remains unchanged across France.

Observers will watch forthcoming parliamentary sessions for any indication of alternative safeguards, such as enhanced age‑verification tools or educational campaigns, as the government seeks to balance digital safety with constitutional freedoms.