France proposes using web scraping technology to detect unregistered crypto exchanges
French regulators are initiating the expansion of European Union authorities' powers to strengthen oversight of cryptocurrency platforms. The proposals include automated website monitoring and stricter rules regarding the advertising of services by influencers. This was reported by Minfin citing Reuters, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
A joint package of initiatives was presented by the French Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Bank of France, the Autorité des Marchés Financiers (AMF), and the Autorité de contrôle prudentiel et de résolution (ACPR). The measures aim to update the MiCA regulation, which governs crypto-asset market activities.
One of the key proposals involves granting national authorities and the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) the right to use web scraping technologies. This tool will allow for the automatic monitoring of public web resources to identify crypto platforms providing services without a proper license.
Combating illegal advertising
French agencies emphasize the need for a clear distinction between passive client solicitation and active marketing. Specifically, it is proposed that advertising campaigns and sponsorship deals implemented through influencers or media figures be classified as evidence of targeted acquisition of users from European Union countries.
Such an approach is intended to prevent manipulation of the reverse solicitation mechanism. Currently, this tool allows companies to serve Europeans if the transaction request originates solely from the client, yet unscrupulous exchanges often use it as a cover for expansion into the EU market.
Strengthening supervisory functions
A separate block of changes concerns expanding ESMA’s powers to oversee the activities of major crypto-asset service providers. Regulators are also discussing the possibility of revising thresholds for direct supervision to cover a broader range of influential market players.
In addition, the optimization of timelines for processing authorization applications is under consideration. The French side believes that existing rigid time constraints may hinder the effective processing of requests from market participants.
Recall that the transition period for the legalization of crypto platform operations under MiCA rules ended on July 1, 2026. Despite this, European bodies continue to analyze the performance of certain platforms that may have continued serving customers in the EU without official authorization.
Photo: Minfin
