France passes laws to crack down on ‘fake news’ during elections.
The French National Assembly has approved of two laws to crack down on false information during election campaigns despite criticism from the opposition.
The new laws will empower judges, in the run-up to elections, to order internet firms to remove ‘incorrect or misleading allegations or accusations’. The law also gives broadcasting authorities wider powers to reject or cancel licences for radio or television stations that are owned or influenced by foreign governments.