Mobile Phones and SAR: Will France Impose Independent Testing on Manufacturers?

Alerte Phonegate calls on the French Parliamentary Office for the Evaluation of Scientific and Technological Choices (OPECST) to examine mobile phone safety testing. The NGO has also presented a 12-page evidence-based briefing to the Ministry for Ecological Transition.

Alerte Phonegate is stepping up its action with the French Parliament and Government. The NGO has written to OPECST, asking it to examine the reliability of mobile phone specific absorption rate (SAR) testing.

On 5 October 2026, Alerte Phonegate met with officials from the office of the Minister for Ecological Transition. Following that meeting, the NGO is making public a 12-page position paper. It draws on official French and European documents and presents compelling evidence of shortcomings in regulatory testing.

Official Evidence Challenges Government Reassurances

“Everything is under control.” This is the reassuring message the French Government has conveyed to parliamentarians. Several lawmakers have questioned the reliability of SAR measurements and the transparency of inspections by the French National Frequency Agency (ANFR).

However, official documents contradict this reassuring narrative. On 19 August 2025, the European Commission adopted a decision concerning the iPhone 12. In particular, recital 82 raises concerns about the transparency and independence of compliance testing involving undisclosed proprietary algorithms.

The ANFR does carry out inspections. Nevertheless, it is more than ten years behind in implementing SAR measurements with phones in direct contact with the body. Its scrutiny of sensors and algorithms that modify transmission power is even further behind.

Moreover, evidence gathered by Alerte Phonegate points to another serious weakness. According to the NGO, the ANFR continues to approve mobile phone compliance without obtaining manufacturers’ deactivation keys. Yet these keys are essential for disabling mechanisms that could distort test results.

Therefore, the very reliability of regulatory compliance testing is at stake.

Growing Parliamentary Scrutiny

Alerte Phonegate welcomes the growing mobilisation of French parliamentarians. On 4 February 2025, Mathieu Lefèvre, then a member of the National Assembly, questioned the Government. He is now Minister Delegate for Ecological Transition.

Senator Patrick Chaize followed on 4 September 2025. Then, on 24 March 2026, MP Sandrine Lalanne also raised the issue.

More recently, MP Pierrick Courbon submitted a written parliamentary question on 1 September 2026. His question addresses the transparency of software used in regulatory compliance testing. This time, we expect a response commensurate with the public health stakes.

France Must Reassert Its Authority over Manufacturers

“We are not asking the Government to explain once again that the ANFR carries out inspections. We are asking it to guarantee that these inspections are genuinely independent of manufacturers.

France must be able to impose its rules on the tech giants, rather than rely on their proprietary software to verify compliance with regulations. This is a matter of political will and protecting the health of millions of consumers.”

Dr Marc Arazi · President of Alerte Phonegate

Alerte Phonegate now expects concrete commitments from the French Government. These must include a clear timetable for action and strong initiatives at European level.

Above all, public health must take precedence over manufacturers’ interests.