Ahead of the 2027 presidential election to replace Emmanuel Macron, which has raised concerns about foreign election interference operations, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez outlined a bill to crack down on disinformation around elections.
The French government on Wednesday, July 22, unveiled a bill that would impose tougher penalties on those who spread disinformation in the run-up to and during elections.
Next spring, France will hold a highly consequential two-round presidential election to replace President Emmanuel Macron, amid concerns about the risk of foreign interference.
In cases involving an "attack on the integrity of the vote," offenders could face up to three years in prison and a €45,000 fine (more than $51,000). The punishment could rise to six years if the acts were committed on behalf of a foreign power or organisation, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said.
Currently, the online dissemination of false information is punishable by one year of imprisonment and a €15,000 fine.
The bill would also extend an emergency measure allowing a judge to swiftly halt the online dissemination of false information to all elections. The procedure, which has been in place since 2018, so far applies only to presidential, parliamentary and European elections, and would thus be extended to local and senatorial elections.
