France Considers Creating Ombudsperson To Consider Complaints About Internet Speech and Preserve Freedom of Expression Online

From the Guardian: The French government is considering a measure that would preserve free speech online by establishing an ombudsperson to decide complaints about online material that readers consider offensive. A Danish lawyer and a French senator developed the measure together and believe that it could address problems that ISPs face concerning legal liability for online speech in all EU member states.

Here is a link to the bill, which is pending in the French upper house. (In French).

Of interest:  The ombudsperson (ombudsman in the bill) is guaranteed independence of action.  He or she cannot have another public position and cannot be employed in or associated with the information industry.  Among the issues the ombudsperson will consider when a complaint is filed are whether the speech implicates a crime, whether it implicates