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France Is Considering Legalizing Online Casinos

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 24, 2024

62%. This is public support for the French authorities’ intentions to legalize online casinos, according to a survey by the French Association of Online Games (AFJEL). Very soon, such legal amendments may become a fact, writes the French publication Le Figaro.

Online casinos in France are prohibited by law. Along with Cyprus, it is the only country in the EU that completely bans online casino games. French authorities only allow sports betting, horse racing, and poker online. The online lottery is also legal in France, although there is only one operator – La Française des Jeux (FDJ).

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However, in 2023, illegal online casinos operating in France generated an impressive 750 million euros in turnover, a sign that legal restrictions are in no way preventing these businesses from thriving from the comfort of tax havens, in which are registered.

Now the government is proposing changes as part of the draft budget for 2025, which would make the activity of online casinos subject to control. The texts were presented over the weekend and considered by French MPs on Monday. If the changes are finally adopted, virtual casino games will be taxed at 55.6% of their turnover.

The government claims that legalizing online casinos will help tackle the presence of illegal sites that often operate from tax havens. This could contribute to limiting the risk to public health,

However, the proposed amendments are not being taken lightly by casino owners, who have come out strongly against the amendment, which will expose their establishments to unwanted competition.

“According to our calculations, the opening of online casinos to competition will lead to a drop in gross gambling revenue of land-based casinos by around 20 to 30% and the closure of 30% of establishments,” said Gregory Rabuel, president of the Casinos de France union. to the French media Les Echos.

THE BUDGETARY POLICY OF FRANCE

Last year, France’s government deficit reached 5.5% of the country’s GDP, significantly exceeding forecasts and breaching the EU’s target of 3%. Late last month, new budget minister Laurent Saint-Martin revealed that this year’s deficit could exceed 6%.

While the government hopes to rein in spending, it is also looking for ways to raise revenue. Part of the country’s current financial problems are related to reduced tax revenues. This is partly because economic growth has recently been driven by exports rather than domestic consumption, resulting in lower VAT revenues.

A review of the revenue side of the 2025 state budget, which calls for 60 billion in new tax revenue, began on Monday, kicking off the most important few weeks of Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s tenure, whose government enjoys fragile support.

In his opening speech, Economy Minister Antoine Armand advocated a budget that would allow the public deficit to be reduced to 5% of GDP in 2025, rejecting any “austerity” while predicting a 0.4% increase in public spending

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Spyware Threats Escalate: Advanced Digital Defenses For Journalists And Activists

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 25, 2026

Spyware attacks targeting journalists, human rights defenders and political dissidents have become increasingly common, highlighting growing concerns around digital privacy and device security. Recent incidents included WhatsApp alerts regarding a hacking campaign targeting members of European civil society and zero-click spyware attacks detected by Apple involving Paragon’s Graphite spyware.

Escalating Risks In A Digital Age

For more than 15 years, investigators have documented the use of sophisticated spyware tools by state-sponsored hackers. These tools are designed to access communications, location data and ambient audio from personal devices. Such attacks can expose both sensitive professional information and personal data belonging to vulnerable individuals.

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Industry Response: Strengthening Digital Defenses

In an effort to mitigate these threats, technology giants including Apple, Google, and Meta have introduced advanced, opt-in security features. These measures, though requiring some tradeoffs in everyday functionality, represent a significant step forward in digital security. Experts and industry leaders alike have endorsed these features as essential tools for anyone potentially targeted by state-sponsored surveillance.

Apple’s Lockdown Mode

Apple’s Lockdown Mode is available across the company’s devices and is designed to reduce vulnerabilities by restricting certain functions. The feature blocks some iMessage attachments, disables link previews and limits network connections. According to the article, Lockdown Mode has already helped block spyware attacks linked to NSO Group’s Pegasus platform.

Google’s Advanced Protection Program

Launched in 2017, Google’s Advanced Protection Program includes features such as deep Gmail scans, restricted third-party access and safe browsing protections. Additional verification measures, including physical and software passkeys, are also part of the program’s security structure.

Android’s Advanced Protection Mode

Android’s Advanced Protection Mode includes tools such as Google Play Protect, enhanced encryption protocols and automated security measures activated by unusual device activity. The feature is designed to strengthen protection against sophisticated cyber threats targeting mobile devices.

WhatsApp’s Strict Account Settings

With more than three billion users worldwide, WhatsApp remains a target for sophisticated hacking campaigns. The platform’s Strict Account Settings feature includes two-step verification, security notifications and additional privacy protections designed to alert users to unauthorized account activity.

Conclusion

As spyware technology continues to evolve, technology companies are expanding advanced security protections across their platforms. For journalists, activists and other individuals facing elevated surveillance risks, these tools are increasingly becoming part of broader digital security practices.