French broadcast authority CSA has adopted a number of measures against the spread of 'fake news' on social networks, which were presented for consultation in a recommendation document published last month. The measures aim to guide social media platforms in meeting new obligations set by legislation passed at the end of 2018, introduced to define their role in detecting and removing false and misleading information, particularly during election campaigns.
The watchdog described its recommendations as a further step towards a new regulatory framework for social media companies, adding that new laws should also follow soon to meet the new challenges arising from extremist and hateful content online.
In mid-June, draft hate speech legislation will be reviewed in parliament to introduce a requirement for platforms to act within 24 hours to remove "obviously" harmful material, or face sanctions. Additionally, new measures are likely to be introduced as part of the planned reform of the country’s broadcasting law, which could be finalised later this year.
