French media regulator Arcom calls for budget boost

France's independent audiovisual and digital regulator, Arcom, presented its strategic plan for 2026‑2028 and asked Parliament and the finance ministry for additional resources. The authority, which operates with a €50 million budget and a staff ceiling of 378 full‑time equivalents, seeks to recruit about 30 extra professionals to handle expanded duties.

Key priorities include combating piracy, enforcing age‑verification on pornographic sites to protect minors, ensuring media pluralism, and monitoring AI‑related disinformation ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Arcom will also help implement President Macron’s proposed ban on social‑network access for users under 15, expected in September 2026.

Arcom President Martin Ajdari warned that current staffing and funding are insufficient to meet parliamentary and public expectations, and he called for a discussion with lawmakers to secure the necessary increase.