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

The French Constitutional Council has struck down a bill that would have prohibited social media use for children under 15. The bill was part of a broader effort to protect young people from online harms. The council's decision comes after the bill was passed by the French Parliament. The ruling means that the proposed ban will not proceed, and social media use for under-15s in France will remain unrestricted by this legislation. The court's decision is final and cannot be appealed.

The council's decision underscores the ongoing debate over online safety for minors. The bill had been introduced in response to growing concerns about the impact of social media on young people's mental health and well-being. The council's ruling does not address the underlying issues but instead focuses on the legality of the proposed ban. The decision has sparked discussions about alternative measures to protect children online. The French government has not yet responded to the court's decision.

The ruling does not affect existing regulations on social media use by minors. The French government may consider alternative legislation to address concerns about online safety for children. The court's decision is likely to influence similar debates in other countries.