French Senate Votes on Law Raising Privacy and Encryption Concerns

On February 4, the French Senate unanimously passed a law aimed at combating drug trafficking. While strengthening law enforcement capabilities, the bill raises serious concerns about privacy, encryption, and digital rights.

A Step Towards Mass Surveillance?

Among its many provisions, the bill expands law enforcement’s ability to monitor data transmissions through network operators. The controversial use of “boîtes noires” (black boxes) for automated data processing, initially restricted to counterterrorism, is now extended to combat organized crime and delinquency. This expansion significantly broadens state surveillance powers.

Another major issue is the so-called “coffre” (safe) dossier, which limits defense access to critical information about police investigative techniques. The Syndicat des avocats de France (SAF) criticized this provision, calling it “a blatant breach of the right to a fair trial.”

End-to-End Encryption Under Threat

The law also touches on encrypted communications, raising fears that end-to-end encryption could be compromised. Digital privacy advocates warn that law enforcement access to encrypted data could lead to backdoors that weaken security for all users.

Proton, the privacy-focused email and VPN provider, highlighted the risks in a tweet:

“End-to-end encryption protects everyone’s privacy and security online. Weakening it—even in the name of security—only makes us all less safe. Governments must respect digital privacy and not undermine encryption.”

What’s Next?

The bill now moves to the National Assembly, where further debates and potential modifications could take place. Privacy advocates are urging lawmakers to reconsider provisions that undermine digital security and fundamental rights.

The future of privacy and encryption in France is at a crossroads, and the next steps in the legislative process will be crucial in determining how far state surveillance powers will go.