The dangers of Macron's planned law on 'fake news'

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At the start of the New Year President Emmanuel Macron told a gathering of journalists that his government was preparing a new law to clamp down on 'fake news' on social media. But already the French media are wondering whether an attack on 'fake news', however desirable, would not end up damaging freedom of information in general. Hubert Huertas looks at the pitfalls presented by the plan.

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At first glance the president of the Republic's proposal looks an obvious one. His desire to “protect our democratic life” against the spreading of poisonous lies on social media cannot in itself be criticised. Such lies do indeed pollute election campaigns.

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