No 'word police'

Paris - France's Constitutional Council yesterday struck down key provisions of a law that outlawed the use of such foreign words as 'cheeseburger', 'marketing' and 'airbag' in broadcasting and advertising.

The council ruled that while the use of French was compulsory, the government had no right to impose official French translations of foreign words on private citizens, companies and the media. It could only impose their use by public authorities and public sector companies other than radio and television.

The council Secretary-General said: 'One cannot impose a veritable word police.' Reuter