The French Constitutional Council has blocked a law passed by parliament in July banning the use of social networks by children under the age of 15.
The Council considered that the contested norms disproportionately restrict freedom of expression and communication.
"The Council decides that the contested provisions, on the one hand, cause disproportionate damage to freedom of expression and freedom of communication, and on the other hand, do not provide for the legal guarantees necessary to ensure the right to respect for private life," the resolution says.
The adoption of the law was supported by President Emmanuel Macron. He cited loneliness, bullying and the cognitive level of development of adolescents as the reasons for the ban. He also criticized "American platforms and Chinese algorithms" for cashing in on the emotions of young people.
"Our children's brains are not for sale," Macron said in January.
President Macron announced plans to ban children from using social networks in June 2025. He said that in the absence of such measures at the EU level, restrictions would be imposed in France.