Media. In court, France Soir loses approval for online news service

After months of litigation, the controversial website France-Soir lost its status as an online news service, the Paris Administrative Court confirmed in mid-August. France Soircan continue to exist but without certain benefits granted by the state. He gained notoriety over the Covid-19 pandemic but has been criticized for spreading false information and spreading conspiracy theories.

Tax benefits and potential aid

In December 2022, the Joint Committee on Publications and Press Agencies (CPPAP) Refusal to update the quality of the francesoir.fr online news servicepublished by the French Shopping Union. This status entitles you to certain tax benefits and potential assistance from the Press Development Strategic Fund (FSDP). CPPAP, in accordance with the opinion of the Ministry of Health, estimates that the content of this website may constitute a risk to public health.

First Pause

The French Shopper’s Union challenged the first decision and obtained a suspension in summary proceedings. In March, the Council of State ordered CPPAP to rule again on francesoir.fr’s request for a deferral of approval.

The matter was finalized on July 17: the Commission refused to grant this status. Francesoir.fr “discloses in a favourable way therapeutic and preventive practices that could divert patients from a treatment method that is in line with the current state of scientific knowledge”, defends the CPPAP, considering that the site does not have the “characteristics of ‘general interest'” necessary. “The CPPAP’s crusade against France Soir continues”, immediately condemning the site, which has filed a provisional order, allegedly in defence of “freedom of the press and freedom of expression”.

But in an August 16 ruling reviewed by AFP, the Paris Administrative Court did not rule in his favour. “None of the grounds invoked (…) appear likely to raise serious doubts about the legality of the contested decision,” the court said. Xavier Azalbert, the owner of the site, could not immediately be reached to learn of his intentions.