Statewatch published the article Green light for police surveillance of political opinions, trade union membership and religious beliefs. According to the human rights NGO the three decrees that were published by the French government at the beginning of December 2020 expand the scope of French state surveillance far beyond what was previously permitted. It will allow the French state to gather data on the political opinions, trade union activities and religious beliefs of people who could “harm the integrity of the territory or institutions of the Republic”, a very vague term.

France’s highest court decided in an emergency appeal that the new measures do not represent a disproportionate infringement of the right to freedom of opinion, religion or belief; or the freedom of association.

More information is to be found in the Statewatch article.