France Avia Law — Struck Down by Constitutional Court After Imposing 24h Takedown Mandate

France's "Loi Avia" (named for its sponsor, MP Laetitia Avia) was passed requiring platforms to remove content reported as "manifestly illicit" hate speech or terrorist content within 24 hours or face fines of up to €1.25 million per violation. France's Constitutional Council struck down key provisions in June 2020, finding the 24-hour requirement was so extreme it would force platforms to remove content without adequate review, constituting a disproportionate restriction on freedom of expression. The ruling was a landmark in European constitutional law — recognising that excessive takedown speed mandates structurally produce censorship.

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