France

[FR] CSA sends platforms a questionnaire to combat manipulation of information

IRIS 2020-4:1/5

Amélie Blocman

Légipresse

The main innovation of the law against the manipulation of information of 22 December 2018 was to extend the powers of the French national audiovisual regulatory authority (Conseil supérieur de l’audiovisuel – CSA) to include services that do not necessarily fall under audiovisual laws, especially large social networks. For example, the law requires the main online platform operators to take measures to fight against the dissemination of false information “likely to disrupt public order or affect the integrity of a vote.” The CSA is responsible for monitoring compliance with these measures (Article 17-2 of the amended law of 30 September 1986) and the operators have a “duty of cooperation” with the regulator which requires them to submit an annual report explaining how they have implemented the measures in question.

On 15 May 2019, the CSA therefore made a recommendation inviting the platform operators to put in place a number of practical measures designed to improve the fight against the dissemination of fake news. It also set up an internal committee of experts on online misinformation. On 27 February 2020, in order to help the platforms to prepare their annual report, the CSA published a very detailed questionnaire on steps taken to combat false information: reporting systems; the processing of information; quantitative aspects; the transparency of algorithms; existing fact-checking partnerships or initiatives; how to deal with sponsored content, etc. In particular, the CSA asked the operators how they defined the content of information linked to discussions of general public interest. The platforms were also asked how they “ensure that the measures are applied in conformity with the freedom of expression and communication.”

The answers provided, which will be made public (apart from those aspects protected by business secrecy), will enable the CSA to draw up a comparative summary of the application and effectiveness of the measures taken. The CSA said it would take into account the diversity of the systems used by the platforms and the appropriateness of the methods used by each of them in view of the extent and impact of the manipulation of information. 

These reports must be submitted to the CSA by 31 March of the year following the year that they cover. The 2019 reports must therefore be sent to the CSA by 31 March 2020.