20260220 Zwang zur Passwortherausgabe

20.02.2026 Zwang zur Passwortherausgabe

Compulsion to disclose passwords

Political Prisoners Net draws attention to a threatening incident in France. A French musician's home was searched on suspicion of "membership in a criminal organization." As usual, electronic devices were confiscated from the apartment

Even though the accusation of "criminal association" has since been proven false, he is now being prosecuted for refusing to disclose the password to his computer. In France, "refusal to disclose a secret decryption agreement" is an offense (criminal offense?) punishable by three years in prison and a fine.

The defendant is being represented legally by his union, the Syndicat National des Artistes Musiciennes, which has called for a rally in front of the court in Lyon on February 24, 2026, at 1 p.m. In addition to propaganda for a real-name requirement on the internet in connection with age restrictions on social networks, we are currently also experiencing attacks on our right to anonymous use of the internet. The threat of penalties for refusing to disclose personal passwords would be a further tightening of the law. According to generally accepted fundamental rights, no one may be compelled to incriminate themselves. In Germany there is a Fundamental right to the guarantee of confidentiality and integrity of information technology systems, too.