The SREN project, or bill aimed at securing and regulating digital space, is a French bill that was adopted by the National Assembly on January 21, 2024. This law aims to strengthen the security and regulation of digital space in France.
The main proposals
The SREN project includes about twenty measures, including:
Implementation of an anti-scam filter: Internet browsers will have to block websites that are reported as scams by the police.
Reinforcement of sanctions against cyberbullying: the penalties for cyberbullying will be doubled, rising to 5 years in prison and 75,000 euros fine.
Strengthening the system aimed at enforcing age limits online for access to pornographic sites; pornographic sites will have to verify the age of their users, under penalty of sanctions.
Sanctions for sites in case of non-removal of child pornographic content; sites that do not remove child pornographic content reported to them will be sanctioned.
Protection against illegal content; this article provides for new protection measures against illegal content online. It notably provides that hosts will have to remove illegal content reported to them, under penalty of sanctions.
Fight against disinformation and foreign interference; this article provides for new measures to fight against disinformation and foreign interference on the Internet. It notably provides that regulatory authorities will be able to sanction digital actors who spread disinformation or who intervene illegally in public debate.
Restoration of commercial equity in the cloud market: regulatory authorities will be able to sanction cloud market players who abuse their dominant position.
The SREN project has been criticized by some associations, who believe that it undermines freedom of expression and privacy. These associations particularly denounce the implementation of an anti-scam filter, which could be used to censor legitimate content.
The SREN project was adopted by the National Assembly on January 21, 2024. It must still be examined by the Senate, then promulgated by the President of the Republic.
Focus on article 3, Cyber Harassment
Article 3 of the SREN law provides that cyberbullying is punishable by 5 years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros.
These penalties are doubled if cyberbullying is committed:
By a person holding public authority or charged with a public service mission.
On a minor.
Using an online public communication service (website, social network, etc.) whose operator is aware of the illegal activity and does not take removal or moderation measures.
Using a weapon.
The SREN law also provides that cyberbullying can give rise to a complementary sentence of prohibition from exercising a professional or social activity involving contact with minors.
Furthermore, the SREN law provides that social networks can be forced to suspend the accounts of users convicted of cyberbullying.
Here are some examples of cyberbullying that can be punished by the SREN law:
Sending threatening, insulting or degrading messages;
Publication of defamatory or insulting remarks;
Distribution of non-consensual sexual photos or videos;
Creation of false rumors or false information;
Hacking accounts or personal data.
If you are a victim of cyberbullying, you can file a complaint with the competent authorities. You can also ask for help from associations specializing in the fight against cyberbullying.
