Macron Proposes New Judicial Emergency Measures to Combat Fake News on Social Media

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on November 28, 2025, his plan to establish a judicial mechanism that enables rapid legal action against misinformation and online harassment on social media platforms. During a recent defense council on information warfare, Macron requested the government to prepare a proposal by the end of the year to incorporate a new 'référé' procedure into French law that would allow judges to act within 48 hours to block false and harmful content.

Macron emphasized that current measures are inadequate to address the challenges posed by fake news and harassment online, which threaten both individual dignity and democratic values. He recounted personal experiences of online harassment targeting himself and his wife, Brigitte Macron, mentioning manipulated images and persistent defamatory disinformation campaigns directed at the Macron family. He highlighted a specific case involving a defamation lawsuit against influencer Candace Owens over false claims about Brigitte Macron's gender identity.

The proposed judicial emergency procedure would mirror existing quick interventions used for political misinformation during elections, aiming to protect individuals from harmful content swiftly. Macron remarked, "We are totally helpless" in the face of rising online disinformation, underscoring the urgent need for a legal tool that can mandate the removal of damaging content within a tight timeframe.

This initiative reflects an intensified governmental effort to tackle misinformation and online harassment more effectively through the judicial system, recognizing the significant personal and societal impact of these issues. By instituting a fast-track legal response, France seeks to strengthen protections against the rapid spread of fake news on social media platforms.