France's Constitutional Council on Friday struck down a law banning social media access for children under 15, ruling that the measure constituted a disproportionate infringement on freedom of expression.
The constitutional authority stated that the blanket ban would apply to online communication services whose risks to minors' health and safety have not been established, reported Franceinfo.
It also noted that the law failed to account for minors' age, family situation or maturity level, nor did it specify conditions under which parents could authorize access or lift restrictions.
Following the ruling, the Elysee Palace announced that President Emmanuel Macron directed Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu to work on a legally robust revision of the bill as soon as possible, taking into account the Council's decision and European regulations.
The president's office added that Macron remains fully committed to delivering the reform before spring 2027.
The legislation, initially set to take effect in September, was a flagship proposal backed by Macron to protect the health and safety of minors. The bill was passed by the French Parliament on July 21.
French Constitutional Council strikes down social media ban for children under 15
Qatar on Saturday denied claims that it had detained Iranian pilots, describing the assertion as misleading amid ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating regional tensions.
"We categorically deny the claims circulating regarding the detention of Iranian pilots and are surprised by these misleading statements at this particular time," Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari said in a post on social media platform X.
Al Ansari said contact had been established with the pilots concerned after they violated Qatari airspace and authorities confirmed the trajectory of the targeting.
"After following the rules of engagement and attempting to communicate with them without receiving a response, the necessary measures were taken to defend our territory in accordance with international law," he said, adding that the circumstances had been clarified at the time through official channels.
The spokesman said Qatari search and rescue teams subsequently conducted operations to search for the remains of the pilots. He added that Qatar had communicated with Iran to coordinate the handover of the remains of one pilot who was found.
An Iranian military commander said Saturday that Qatari forces captured three Iranian pilots whose fighter jets were shot down when returning from a military mission against a U.S. base in Qatar in March. The commander said a fourth pilot was killed.
On Feb 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities, killing the country's then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, military commanders and civilians. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. bases and assets in the region.
The body of the slain Iranian pilot, Majid Kazemi, was returned to Iran and buried in the southern city of Shiraz in late July.
Qatar denies claims of detaining Iranian pilots
