French court blocks mandatory QR code for Bastille Day parade

France's administrative court has annulled a requirement for attendees to present a QR code to watch the traditional July 14th military parade on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. The mandate, which was to be implemented for the first time, was put in place by authorities citing security reasons and the unusually high number of foreign heads of state and government expected to attend.

The urgent ruling came after the administrative court was petitioned by the association Vigie Liberté. The court's order directs the prefect of police in Paris to immediately cease considering the presentation of a personalized QR code, issued by the presidency after online registration, as a condition for public access to the parade perimeter.

Authorities had argued that the QR code system was necessary for security management, particularly given the presence of numerous foreign leaders. However, the court found that access should not be conditional on presenting such a code, effectively striking down the new security measure.