A father residing in France is currently facing significant legal consequences for his well-meaning endeavor to safeguard his children from late-night internet and cell phone usage. Regrettably, his decision to utilize a signal jammer has not only succeeded in keeping his kids offline, but has also disrupted the internet connectivity of individuals residing in a nearby town. As a result, he now confronts a hefty fine and the potential for imprisonment.

In France's town of Messanges, the Agence Nationale Des Frequences (ANFR) was alerted to an extraordinary incident impacting both internet and cellular service. The anomaly of this disruption became even more bizarre when it was observed to occur every weeknight from midnight until 3 AM. Subsequent investigation revealed that a signal jammer was being employed to obstruct radio frequencies.

As per the report, the Touluse Regional Service of the ANFR began its investigation in the middle of the night. What could have caused such a disturbance at a time when the whole city is usually asleep?

As the agency continued its inquiry, a notable shape on a graph (visible below) caught their attention. The investigator was left with no doubt that it was the unmistakable signature of a wave cell phone jammer, an illegal device in France. In pursuit of the jammer's origin, the investigator traced it back to a house near the coastline. After politely knocking on the door and confronting the father, he openly admitted to using the signal jammers to prevent his teenage children from using their smartphones to browse the internet instead of getting proper sleep.

ANFR's report reveals that his children have, in fact, become addicted to social networks and other applications, especially since the confinement measures were enforced as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.

While the father did not mean to cut off an entire town from the internet, the signal jamming device he employed is illegal in France. This could lead to a penalty of up to approximately $34,000 (30,000 Euros) and a six-month jail term for him.

Those considering the use of similar technology to restrict their children's internet usage in the United States should be aware that it is illegal. Similar to France, individuals found guilty in America may face severe consequences, including substantial fines and imprisonment.

ANFR has handed over its complete findings to the local authorities, and the case is currently under investigation in France. Regrettably, the father no longer has his signal jammer, which he previously used to block his children's access to their preferred social media sites.