Blogging

Blogging : there are limits to self-expression!

Think you can write absolutely anything on a blog? Think again! Insults, libel, breach of copyright, plagiarism and pirating all incur heavy penalties.

Every two seconds a new blog appears on the internet. Over 4 million internet users have tried it in France alone. This huge success is mainly due to the freedom of expression brought about by this new tool. Nevertheless, from a legal standpoint the blog's author is considered to be responsible for all the blog's contents. The same goes for any comments posted by visitors to the blog: it's up to you to delete inappropriate material so as not to be considered a party to it. Heavy penalties could follow!

Copyright

Whilst you can write freely about your interests and your own life, you do not have the right to "borrow" other people's editorial without prior consent. The same goes for photos, music clips, graphic design, trademarks etc. Anything borrowed without the author's consent is considered to be pirating and punishable by 3 years in prison and a fine of 300,000 euros.

Libel

You are held responsible for what you write. If your editorial is considered to be libellous by any person mentioned, they could press charges for libel. This offence can lead to a fine of a 12,000 euros.

Invasion of privacy

Any person photographed in a private place must give their permission for the photo to be published. If this is not the case, the offence is considered by french law to be an invasion of privacy. This offence is punishable by one year's imprisonment and a fine of 45,000 euros. Photos taken in a public place are not considered in the same way.

Incitement to racial hatred

The contents of a blog must never incite racial or religious hatred, nor excuse crimes against humanity. This kind of behaviour risks punishment of a year in prison and/or a 45,000 euro fine.

Confidentiality

Just like the invasion of privacy issue, the contents of emails exchanged between two individuals must remain private unless requested otherwise. Once again, the offence is not taken lightly: one year in prison and a fine of 45,000 euros!