In brief
The French government announced that a commission of experts has recommended tighter regulation of generative AI, citing risks to cognitive function, mental health and social cohesion. With 33 million unique users in France, the report issued 18 recommendations, including risk assessments, safeguarding mechanisms and a national AI education programme, and urged an inter‑ministerial protocol to counter disinformation.
A commission of French experts announced on Tuesday that it has issued 18 recommendations to tighten regulation of generative artificial intelligence, citing potential harms to cognitive ability, mental health and societal cohesion. The commission released the report, titled “Protecting Without Hindering: Vulnerabilities in the Age of Generative AI,” to the French presidency, according to a Xinhua statement.
At the start of 2026, 33 million unique users were active in France, yet a quarter of the population has expressed concern about AI risks. The report warns that excessive use could weaken users’ cognitive functions, foster emotional attachment to these tools and amplify online violence. According to Xinhua, the commission also highlighted the danger of disinformation amplification that could threaten democracy.
To address these concerns, the commission put forward 18 recommendations. These include mandatory multidisciplinary risk assessments before any consumer generative‑AI system is marketed, designs that avoid excessive flattery or anthropomorphism, and large‑scale AI education beginning from early childhood to train future citizens to use the technology critically.
In addition, the report urges the creation of an inter‑ministerial protocol capable of rapidly detecting and responding to AI‑related risks. Xinhua noted that the protocol would involve coordinated action across relevant ministries, establishing a quick‑response framework for emerging threats.
The Big News Network echoed Xinhua’s findings, also stressing that the commission’s guidelines aim to protect users from potential cognitive and emotional damages while maintaining a constructive stance toward AI innovation. The network reported the same figure of 33 million users and highlighted the 18‑recommendation framework and the inter‑ministerial protocol as central to policy‑making efforts.