In France, some citizens are wrapping their Linky smart meters with aluminum foil, a practice that has sparked safety concerns. This trend, popularized on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, is based on the belief that the meters emit harmful radiation. However, experts and officials warn that the method is not only ineffective but could also pose serious risks. The belief that Linky meters emit dangerous radiation has fueled the trend. According to the National Frequency Agency (ANFR), the radiation levels from these meters are well below legal limits—between 25 and 37 times lower than the allowed maximum. These levels are similar to those of a regular television and much lower than those from Wi-Fi routers or mobile phones, which are commonly used in homes. A key technical fact often ignored in online videos is that Linky meters do not continuously emit radio waves. Instead, they use a technology called powerline communication (CPL), which sends data through the electrical wiring in a home. This communication happens only during short periods at night, between midnight and 6 a.m. The radio emissions are minimal, brief, and only affect a small area around the meter, within 40 centimeters. Wrapping the meter in aluminum foil does not block the communication through the electrical system, as the signal travels through the wires rather than through the air. Additionally, a regular kitchen sheet won't block radio waves effectively, and a true Faraday cage—used to block electromagnetic signals—requires a completely sealed metal enclosure. The real danger of wrapping the meter in aluminum foil comes from the potential for overheating, electric shock, or fire. Smart meters need to dissipate heat naturally, and wrapping them can prevent this, leading to overheating. Aluminum, being a good conductor, can cause a short circuit if it comes into contact with the meter or surrounding wires, increasing the risk of electric shock, especially in older electrical systems. Enedis, the company managing the electricity network, has warned against this practice. If people remain concerned about radiation exposure, the ANFR can measure the actual levels in their homes upon request.