Mediapart obtained a report that reveals that PSG used the Digital Big Brother agency to carry out influence operations for PSG between 2018 and 2020. The technique consisted of creating fake Twitter accounts to denigrate the club’s media and personalities and ensure the good image PSG on the social network. The report shows that this “army” includes “many pro-PSG accounts, including 10% of accounts considered ‘influential’ on social media, ready to intervene to safeguard PSG’s image,” the outlet notes.
In France, creating a fake Twitter account is legal. “This is a variation of the fundamental right that is related to the pseudonym on the Internet,” specifies the digital law lawyer Alexandre Archambault, from Tech&Co. The question of anonymity on the Internet regularly comes up in public debate. However, the use of a fake account to spread false news or defame is punishable by the civil code.
In the case of this digital army, the case may initially be presented to civilians if smear campaigns against others are tried. “The civil makes it possible to obtain the identification of the false account through article 6.1.8 of the law for trust in the digital economy. He allows the judge to order any measure to put an end to the illicit disorder and to order the closure of the account “, specifies Alexandre Archambault.
From civil to criminal
On April 27, 2019, Neymar slapped a Stade Rennes supporter after a French Cup final at the Stade de France. In this specific case, Mediapart points out that the accounts used by PSG publicly revealed his identity, before a campaign of harassment was mounted against the Breton fan. “PSG participated in this campaign of harassment by posting his last name on Twitter and trying to make him look like a criminal,” Mediapart explained.
If the false account infringes the privacy of others, this is punishable by article 9 of the civil code, while the Samuel Paty amendment can also be used “if the intention to harm is shown”, specifies Alexandre Archambault. The article approved in 2021 creates a new criminal type that punishes the endangerment of third parties through the dissemination of personal information with three years in prison and a fine of 45,000 euros.
For its part, Twitter bears no responsibility. “The hosts are not obliged to control the activity of their users. It is above all the responsibility of the owner of the account. In the event of a judicial decision, Twitter must close the false account”, emphasizes Alexandre Archambault.
Source: BFM TV
