France eyes tougher penalties for election interference

The French government on Wednesday 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-euro 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 Nunez said.

Currently, the online dissemination of false information is punishable by one year of imprisonment and a 15,000-euro fine.

The bill would also extend to all elections an emergency measure allowing a judge to swiftly halt the online dissemination of false information.

The procedure, in place since 2018, so far applies only to presidential, parliamentary, and European elections.

The procedure would be extended to local and Senate elections.