Macron Advocates for Legislation to Combat Online Misinformation

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for urgent changes to legislation aimed at combating “false information” disseminated online. Speaking in the northeastern town of Mirecourt on Friday, Macron highlighted the need for a legal framework that enables swift action against harmful misinformation, particularly on social media platforms. This initiative follows a series of personal attacks against both him and his wife, Brigitte Macron, including persistent false claims regarding her identity.

Macron’s remarks come against the backdrop of increasing concerns over misinformation campaigns, particularly those attributed to Russian sources following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that he has instructed the government to develop proposals for implementing summary proceedings against harmful information. “I held a defence council meeting on information warfare, where I asked for help with a task that needs to be completed by the end of the year,” he noted.

Legislative Changes Proposed

During his address, Macron expressed his desire to incorporate a legal mechanism that allows individuals to request judicial intervention within 48 hours to remove defamatory content. He stated, “It is important to be able to ask a judge to rule within 48 hours and force the alleged harasser to take down their posts.” This proposed change aims to provide a faster response to online harassment and misinformation.

Macron provided examples of the types of misinformation he aims to counteract. He mentioned a recent unfounded claim that France had dispatched 1,000 legionnaires to the front lines in Ukraine, stating, “You may have read it, maybe even believed it for a moment. All of that was completely false.” He underscored the damaging effects of such misinformation, both personally and socially.

Furthermore, Macron revealed that both he and his wife have been targets of online harassment, with Brigitte being subjected to even greater levels of vitriol. “We are completely powerless. It takes an enormous amount of time, it continues, people see it, and there are those who are foolish enough to believe it is true,” he remarked. This acknowledgment of personal experience adds a layer of urgency to his call for legislative reform.

Legal Actions in the United States

In a related legal matter, the Macrons have initiated a lawsuit in the United States against conservative commentator Candace Owens. They allege that Owens has propagated misinformation suggesting that Brigitte Macron is a transgender woman. Their legal team plans to present “scientific” evidence and photographs to substantiate their claims regarding Brigitte’s identity.

Macron’s push for legislative change is part of a broader effort to address the pervasive impact of social media on public discourse. His recent engagements included meetings with citizens in the southwestern city of Toulouse and the northern city of Arras, where he continued to discuss the implications of misinformation.

With an ongoing commitment to tackling false information, Macron aims to enhance the protections available to individuals against online harassment and misinformation. As he prepares to seek legislative support, the outcome of his proposals may significantly influence how digital communication is regulated in France.

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