According to a report titled "Legislative Trends and Social Keyword Data Analysis in Travel Rules" jointly released by Code, a joint venture company of Bithumb, Coinone, and Cobit, and Catalyst Research, a blockchain consulting group, Korea, Japan, and France were among the countries most mentioned in the first half of this year regarding "travel rules".

Hong Kong-based digital asset custodian, Hex Trust, has obtained registration from France's financial regulatory bodies, allowing it to offer digital asset custody, buying, selling, and trading in France and Italy. This registration is a significant milestone for Hex Trust's expansion plans in Europe, as it should make it easier to obtain necessary registrations and permissions across the EU.

France's data protection authority, CNIL, is reportedly investigating the legality of Worldcoin's biometric data collection, which requires users to scan their irises using an orb to obtain a World ID and cryptocurrency token. The investigation was launched after Worldcoin collected data from users in France. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's project has seen increased sign-ups since its launch on Monday, with one unique person scanning their eyeballs for the World ID every 7.6 seconds. The UK's Information Commissioner's Office is also looking into Worldcoin.

France's privacy watchdog, CNIL, has expressed concerns over the legality of Worldcoin's biometric data collection. The CNIL has initiated investigations into the matter after Worldcoin collected data in France. The watchdog has revealed that the Bavarian state authority in Germany has jurisdiction and is conducting investigations with support from the CNIL. Worldcoin's iris-scanning device was seen at a sign-up site in Shoreditch, East London in 2023.

The introduction of the MiCA regulation has brought clarity to the previously uncertain European crypto industry. The regulations are expected to be fully implemented by the end of 2024 and will impact the relationships between governments, communities, and projects for the next 18 months. France is becoming a central hub of Web3 development due to its supportive regulatory environment, active community, and favorable funding opportunities.

France's Central Government has approved the implementation of wholesale central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) after conducting a second experiment on the matter. The Banque de France has released findings and lessons learned from its wholesale CBDC experimentation program, which began in March 2020 and consisted of twelve trials.

June 19 (Cointime) - France's top financial regulator, the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), has expressed its support for globally coordinated regulations for decentralized finance (DeFi).

France previously proposed a strict bill that limited influencer marketing for cryptocurrency firms to only licensed companies, but no such licensed firms existed in the country. This created a problem for the industry's growth. However, the French Senate recently announced a new bill that regulates influencer promotions across industries, requiring only that crypto firms be registered with the Financial Markets Authority. Non-compliance with the new regulations can lead to severe penalties, but the bill offers a more balanced approach to regulation, encouraging the growth of the crypto industry while ensuring consumer safety and financial market integrity.

OKX, the world's second-largest crypto exchange and a Web3 technology company, has applied to become a registered Digital Asset Service Provider in France under the strict requirements of the AMF and ACPR. This move demonstrates OKX's commitment to expanding its European presence, with France as a significant hub. Registration with the AMF will allow OKX to offer a range of products and services to customers in France in full compliance with local regulations. However, it is important to note that digital assets involve a high degree of risk and OKX is not regulated by the FCA, so individuals should consult with their legal/tax/investment professional before trading or holding digital assets.

France Terre d'Asile, a French refugee and asylum association, has launched a program called "Crypto Refugee Program" aimed at providing refuge for cryptocurrency companies fleeing US regulation. The program has the support of the French financial regulator AMF and the French Prudential Supervision and Resolution Authority PSAN. The program is part of the French government's initiative to attract fintech companies to France.