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

France's top court on Friday blocked ​a bill banning social media access for ‌under-15s, saying it infringed upon freedom of expression, a setback for President Emmanuel Macron who asked his government to rewrite ​the legislation.

"By prohibiting minors under the age of ​fifteen from accessing certain online services, the ⁠law inherently requires every person, even an adult, to ​prove their age before accessing them," the Constitutional Council ​said in its decision.

"However, by failing to specify the conditions and limits under which such proof must be provided, the ​legislature has not established the legal safeguards necessary ​to ensure compliance with these requirements," it added.

French lawmakers had approved a ‌ban ⁠on social media access for children under age 15, becoming the first in Europe to follow Australia, whose world-first ban barred access to platforms including Facebook, ​TikTok and YouTube ​for under-16s ⁠in December.

Macron has ordered Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu to re-work the draft legislation ​to take the Constitutional Council's concerns into ​account, ⁠the Elysee said in a statement.

The Elysee said Macron was determined the reform take effect before spring 2027, ⁠when ​France holds a presidential election. ​Macron cannot run for a third term.