France's top court has upheld the country's assisted dying law but blocked a proposed ban on social media access for under-15s, ruling the restrictions infringed freedom of expression and privacy.
Key facts
- France's Constitutional Council upheld the assisted dying law.
- The court blocked a proposed ban on social media access for under-15s.
- The council said the ban infringed freedom of expression and privacy.
- President Emmanuel Macron had championed both policies.
- Macron has vowed to prepare a new draft of the social media legislation.
France’s highest constitutional authority has issued a split ruling on two policies backed by President Emmanuel Macron, upholding the country’s assisted dying law while blocking a proposed ban on social media access for children under 15, according to Al Jazeera.
The Constitutional Council ruled that the social media restrictions infringed upon freedom of expression and privacy, the BBC reported. The decision represents a setback for Macron, who had championed the measure.
The Guardian reported that the ruling comes as momentum builds around the world for Australian-style restrictions on children’s use of social media. The court’s rejection of the under-15s ban runs against that international trend.
Despite the setback, Macron has vowed to prepare a new draft of the legislation, according to the BBC, signalling that the government intends to pursue restrictions on children’s social media use through revised measures.
The decisions mark both a victory and a setback for the president, Al Jazeera noted, as he had backed both the assisted dying law that was upheld and the social media ban that was struck down.
The rulings underscore the constitutional limits facing efforts to regulate online access for minors, even as debate over children’s exposure to social media intensifies internationally.
Why it matters
The ruling highlights the tension between protecting children online and safeguarding constitutional rights such as freedom of expression and privacy. As governments worldwide consider Australian-style social media limits for minors, France's decision could influence how similar measures are drafted and challenged elsewhere.
Frequently asked questions
What did France's top court decide?
The Constitutional Council upheld France's assisted dying law but blocked a proposed ban on social media access for children under 15.
Why was the social media ban blocked?
According to the BBC and the Guardian, the council ruled that the ban infringed upon freedom of expression and privacy.
Will France try to pass the social media ban again?
President Macron has vowed to prepare a new draft of the legislation, the BBC reported.