In France, a father is currently confronted with a substantial fine and the potential for imprisonment due to his well-meaning endeavor to prevent his children from accessing the internet and using cell phones during late hours. His employment of a signal jammers proved to be remarkably efficient, as it not only prevented his own children from going online, but also affected the connectivity of individuals residing in a neighboring town.

The Agence Nationale Des Frequences (ANFR) was notified of an atypical incident impacting both internet and cellular service in the town of Messanges, situated in France. The peculiar disruption of service became even more perplexing when the agency discovered its recurrence every weeknight from midnight until 3 AM. After conducting an investigation, it was concluded that a signal jammer was responsible for obstructing radio frequencies.

The report indicated that the Touluse Regional Service of the ANFR commenced its investigation in the middle of the night. What could have caused such a disturbance during a time when the entire city is usually asleep?

Upon further investigation, the agency discovered a distinct pattern on a graph (visible below) that left no room for doubt in the investigator's mind. It was unmistakably the telltale sign of a wave cell phone jammer, a device that is strictly forbidden in France. Determined to trace the source of this interference, the investigator followed the trail to a residence situated near the coastline. After politely requesting entry and confronting the father, he confessed to utilizing the signal jammer to prevent his adolescent children from using their smartphones to access the internet instead of getting sufficient sleep.

ANFR stated in its report that the confinement imposed due to the Covid-19 epidemic has indeed led to his children becoming addicted to social networks and other applications.

The father did not plan to cut off an entire town from the internet, but his signal jamming device is considered illegal in France. As a result, he could potentially face a fine of around $34,000 (30,000 Euros) and a six-month jail sentence.

It is important to note that utilizing comparable technology to restrict children's access to the internet is prohibited in the United States. Similar to France, if convicted, individuals in America may encounter substantial penalties and imprisonment.

ANFR has submitted all its findings to the local authorities, and the case is currently under investigation in France. Nevertheless, the father no longer possesses his signal jammer, which he previously used to prevent his children from accessing their preferred social media platforms.