The site has been criticized in particular for spreading false information and relaying conspiracy theories.
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After months of proceedings, the controversial website France-Soir has lost its status as an online press service, a move confirmed in mid-August by the Paris administrative court. The site, which uses the brand of the defunct daily France Eveningcan continue to exist, but without certain benefits granted by the State. It had found new notoriety with the Covid-19 pandemic, but was criticized for spreading false information and relaying conspiracy theories.
In December 2022, the Joint Committee for Publications and Press Agencies (CPPAP) refused to renew the online press service status for francesoir.fr, published by the company Shopper Union France. This status entitles it to certain tax benefits and potential aid from the Strategic Fund for the Development of the Press (FSDP).
The CPPAP, based on an opinion from the Ministry of Health, had considered that the content of the site could constitute a danger to public health. Contesting this first decision, Shopper Union France had obtained its suspension in summary proceedings. In March, the Council of State had ordered the CPPAP to rule again on the application for renewal of the approval of francesoir.fr.
This was done with a decision of July 17: the commission refused to grant this status. Francesoir.fr “presents in a favorable light therapeutic and preventive behaviors which are likely to divert patients from therapies in accordance with the current state of scientific knowledge”justifies the CPPAP, by considering that the site does not present the “character of general interest” required.
“The CPPAP crusade against France-Soir continues”had denounced the site, which had filed an interim relief in order to defend itself, according to him “freedom of the press and freedom of expression”. But in a decision of August 16, consulted by the AFP, the administrative court of Paris did not rule in his favor. “None of the grounds invoked (…) appear likely to create serious doubt as to the legality of the contested decision”justifies the court.