Online surveillance in the fight against terrorism in France

Abstract

This article seeks to provide a critical analysis of recent French legislation (loi de programmation militaire, loi anti-terroriste, loisur le renseignement, loisurl’étatd’urgence), which tends to strengthen online surveillance as part of the fight against terrorism. It will question the efficacy of these measures from the point of view of state security, on one hand, whilst considering the protection of the fundamental rights of individuals, on the other hand, especially considering untargeted means of surveillance. The balance of interests tilts most probably in favor of protecting the former and shows that there is a high risk of technology being used against people.