France's highest constitutional authority has overturned a law, passed by parliament last month, that would have prohibited social media use for children under 15, delivering a blow to President Macron, who had championed the legislation.

On Friday, the Constitutional Council ruled that the ban was unconstitutional, as it infringed upon the freedom of expression and communication for minors. In a statement released after the ruling, Macron's office confirmed he would continue to advance this reform before the end of his term next spring. The statement added that Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu would be tasked with drafting new legislation that is "legally sound and takes into account the Council's decision."

This verdict marks the first indication that the global push to restrict social media access for young teens could encounter legal and technical hurdles. Following Australia's landmark ban, which took effect in December 2025, France was the first major European nation to pass such legislation.