Macron uses speech to warn on fake news danger

French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday that those spreading fake news online should be held accountable and possibly brought to justice, as the issue is becoming even more significant ahead of the country's presidential election in April.

Macron warned against the threat to democracy caused by online misinformation and fake news. He suggested new legislative framework should allow online platforms, influencers and people getting attention online to be held accountable, and eventually sent before a judge, like journalists are when they break the law.  Macron's speech came after he received a report he commissioned to researchers and experts last year as he raised concerns over the consequences of fake news, citing the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol.