New law in France will hit influencers. They have much to fear
The French government has introduced new advertising regulations. What are the risks for influencers who do not comply? The short answer is: even imprisonment.
Influencers in France may now go to jail if they are found to have broken the new rules on advertising products on social media. The new law entered into force on Thursday 1 June.
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New regulations to protect consumers
Stringent new rules aim to protect consumers from misleading or fraudulent online commercial practices. They restrict the promotion of lotteries and betting, and even plastic surgery procedures. They also ban tobacco advertising. It is worth noting that France is the first country in Europe to introduce such a law.
The cross-party legislation was passed unanimously in a Senate vote on Wednesday 31 May. The legislation came in force on Thursday 1 June.
Penalties for advertising inappropriate products
Under the new rules, 'commercial influencers' will not be allowed to advertise lotteries or gambling. The ban is to apply to social media used by minors.
Violations could mean a penalty of up to two years in prison or a fine of up to €300,000. However, there are concerns about the authorities' ability to police the new rules. At issue are situations where influencer accounts are visible in France, but the individual is physically outside the country's jurisdiction.
