Fiche S

A Fiche S (literally "S File" in French) is an administrative record maintained by the French intelligence services (Direction générale de la sécurité intérieure, DGSI) concerning individuals considered a threat to national security. The "S" stands for Sûreté de l'État (Security of the State).

The Fiche S is not a judicial file and does not imply that the individual concerned has committed a crime. It is primarily an intelligence tool used to monitor individuals and collect information about their activities, connections, and potential threat level. Being listed in a Fiche S does not automatically lead to arrest or legal proceedings.

The criteria for inclusion in a Fiche S are broad and can include individuals suspected of involvement in terrorism, extremism (political or religious), organized crime, or other activities deemed to pose a risk to public order and national security. The threshold for creating a Fiche S is lower than that required for a criminal investigation.

The existence and use of Fiche S files have been subject to controversy, particularly regarding potential for abuse, profiling, and infringement on civil liberties. Concerns have been raised about the accuracy of information contained in the files, the lack of transparency in the process, and the potential consequences for individuals listed in the files, such as increased surveillance and difficulty in accessing certain services or employment. The French government has defended the use of Fiche S files as a necessary tool for national security, but also acknowledges the need for safeguards to protect individual rights.