The Senate adopted a proposal aimed at strengthening measures against foreign interference, in light of recent events in New Caledonia, where a cyberattack and influence from Azerbaijan have been reported. The proposal includes measures such as a national register of influence, freezing of financial assets, and enhanced algorithmic surveillance to detect and punish those engaging in information manipulation. The Minister responsible for Europe emphasized the need for transparency regarding foreign influence activities and the importance of identifying and dealing with those responsible for such operations.
Recent events in New Caledonia, including the cyberattack and allegations of Azerbaijani interference, were the focus of discussions in the Senate. Some senators expressed concerns about Russia’s role in the cyberattack and the growing influence of China in the region, citing the banning of TikTok due to its Chinese ownership. There were also references to recent incidents such as the tagging of “red hands” on the Holocaust Memorial, fueling suspicions of foreign manipulation. The Senate approved the proposal, with many senators acknowledging the need for more comprehensive measures to combat foreign interference.
The proposed law aims to establish a national register for foreign interests engaged in lobbying activities in France, with penalties for non-compliance, managed by the High Authority for Transparency in Public Life. It also includes an expansion of an algorithmic surveillance program to detect internet connections related to foreign interference, a measure that has raised privacy concerns among some lawmakers. The proposal also allows for the freezing of financial assets of individuals or entities engaging in defined interference activities and introduces a new criminal offense for crimes committed to serve the interests of a foreign power, company, or organization.
The approval of the Senate was broad, but some senators expressed regret that the proposed law was only a first step in addressing foreign interference. The urgency of the issue was highlighted by recent events in New Caledonia, prompting a reevaluation of the threat posed by state-sponsored interference activities. However, some lawmakers felt that the proposed law fell short of providing the necessary tools to effectively combat foreign influence, calling for a more comprehensive approach to address the evolving nature of the threat.
The proposal also includes measures to raise awareness among young people and local officials about the risks of foreign interference. Some senators advocated for a more proactive approach to educate and inform individuals about the dangers of manipulation by foreign powers. There were discussions about the need to develop a stronger response to the changing tactics used by foreign actors to undermine democratic processes and sow discord in society. The proposed law will now be subject to further negotiations between the Senate and the National Assembly to reach a compromise version before being implemented.
Overall, the proposal aims to enhance the legal framework to address foreign interference and improve the detection and prevention of such activities. The focus on transparency, surveillance, and accountability reflects a growing recognition of the need to safeguard democratic processes and protect national interests from external influence. The upcoming discussions between the Senate and the National Assembly will be crucial in refining the proposed measures to effectively counter the evolving threat posed by foreign interference activities.
