France’s top administrative court struck down a proposed social‑media ban, ruling it would infringe freedom of expression because it would compel adults to prove their age before accessing platforms. The decision came after lawmakers argued the measure was needed to protect minors from harmful content.

The court emphasized that any restriction must be proportionate and that mandatory age verification for all users is overly broad. It noted that less intrusive tools, such as parental controls and targeted age‑gating for specific services, could achieve the same goal without burdening France’s entire online population.

Critics of the ban warned that forcing age checks would create privacy risks and could drive users to unverified, offshore sites. Supporters countered that unverified access exposes children to cyberbullying, extremist propaganda, and illegal material.

The ruling highlights the ongoing tension between safeguarding young users and preserving digital rights, setting a precedent for how European governments may approach future social media regulation efforts.