France unveils its strategy to counter information manipulation
In February, France took a significant step towards safeguarding its information environment with the adoption of its first “National Strategy to Combat Foreign Information Manipulation (2026–2030)”.
Developed under the auspices of the General Secretariat for Defence and National Security (SGDSN), the strategy reflects a growing consensus among democracies that disinformation and foreign digital interference pose increasing risks to public debate, citizens' trust and the effective functioning of democratic institutions.
The strategy is built around four key priorities. The first seeks to strengthen society's resilience to information manipulation. Measures include the creation of an Academy for Combating Information Manipulation, the development of training and research, and support for media and information literacy.
The second pillar focuses on digital platforms and generative AI services. France aims to increase their accountability in areas such as transparency, the identification of manipulated content and efforts to tackle disinformation networks.
The strategy also seeks to consolidate national capabilities for monitoring, detecting and responding to foreign digital interference operations, drawing in particular on VIGINUM and closer cooperation between public authorities.
Finally, France intends to develop coordinated action with its European and international partners to safeguard a free, open and secure information environment. This international dimension is seen as essential given that information manipulation campaigns transcend national borders and rely on increasingly sophisticated technologies.
For public communicators, the strategy sends a clear message, underlining the growing importance of information quality, transparency and civic education in strengthening democratic resilience.
