France strengthens legal recourse for victims of cyberharassment

French legislation defines cyberharassment as a punishable offence under article 222‑33‑2‑2 of the penal code, covering repeated abusive conduct online that harms a person's physical or mental health. Penalties can reach two years’ imprisonment and a €30,000 fine, with harsher measures for minors, vulnerable victims, or cases causing work incapacity. Victims are urged to document evidence—screenshots, URLs, timestamps—before blocking perpetrators, and may obtain a judicial constable’s report to strengthen prosecution.

The NGO Point de Contact, which assists victims and collaborates with authorities and platforms, reported receiving about 122,000 online abuse notifications in 2025, averaging 334 daily. It calls for volunteers to help flag illegal content, raise awareness, and support removal efforts. The association offers training, regular meetings, and resources to empower citizens, professionals, and students in combating cyber‑violence and protecting internet users' rights.