France blocks under-15 social media ban over freedom of expression fears

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  • France’s highest court has struck down a bill banning social media for teens
  • Judges ruled the ban disproportionately infringed on freedom of expression
  • This decision also pauses evaluation of VPN usage in France

France's highest constitutional authority, the Constitutional Council, has blocked a controversial bill that would have banned social media access for children under the age of 15. Initially slated to take effect this September, the legislation was struck down on August 14 after judges ruled it severely infringed on fundamental rights.

Alongside free-speech concerns, the court raised major red flags regarding the privacy of all French internet users. The sweeping age verification measures required to enforce the ban would have forced adults to hand over sensitive personal data just to access everyday online platforms.

The overturning of the bill is also a massive sigh of relief for anyone using the best VPN to protect their online privacy.

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