2023-07-05 17:02:59
After Nahel’s death, social networks were accused of fueling urban riots and amplifying the revolt that erupted with the tragedy. Tuesday, in front of some 300 mayors of municipalities impacted by the violence, Emmanuel Macron raised the idea of ”regulating” or “cutting” social networks during such events, causing an outcry from the opposition. At the end of the Council of Ministers on Wednesday, the government spokesperson was invited to clarify these remarks.
The government could consider “suspending functionalities” on social networks in the event of new riots but does not intend to proceed with a “generalized blackout” of the platforms, assured Olivier Véran. “It can be suspensions of features,” he noted, referring to the tools available during situations such as the riots observed since June 27.
“For example, you have geolocation functions, on certain platforms, which allow young people to find themselves in such and such a place, by showing scenes, how to set fires, etc… These are calls for the organization of hatred in the public space and there you have the authority to be able to suspend”, illustrated Olivier Véran.
The words of Emmanuel Macron
Clarifications supported by the entourage of the Head of State, according to which President Emmanuel Macron “At no time said that he planned to cut the networks in the sense of a generalized blackout”. “It is about “being able to punctually and temporarily suspend social networks”, added this source.
What did Emmanuel Macron really say? “We need to have a reflection on the use of these networks among the youngest, in families, at school, the prohibitions that must be put in place”, underlined the Head of State, according to remarks reported by the press and confirmed by the Élysée. “We could see it (…) when things get carried away for a moment, say to ourselves: we are perhaps putting ourselves in a position to regulate them or cut them off,” he said. And to add: “It is important not to do it hot. I’m glad we didn’t have to. »
« OK Kim Jong Un »
The controversy did not take long. “Cut off social networks? Like China, Iran, North Korea?, For example, ironically the president of the group Les Républicains (LR) in the National Assembly, Olivier Marleix, on Twitter by deploring a “provocation in very bad taste”.
Cut social media?
Like China, Iran, North Korea?
Even if it is a provocation to divert attention, it is in very bad taste. https://t.co/tXGGi2o520— ???????? Olivier Marleix (@oliviermarleix) July 4, 2023
“OK Kim Jong Un”, exclaimed in the same vein the rebellious Mathilde Panot, in reference to the North Korean leader. “That would be to renounce the idea that democracy is stronger than the tools that are used against it. It would be a mistake, ”said the deputy of the presidential Renaissance party Éric Bothorel.
The Minister responsible for the Digital Transition Jean-Noël Barrot proposed Tuesday evening in the Senate the establishment of a working group on the measures to be taken in the event of riots, which could be integrated into the bill to “secure” Internet. On Wednesday, Olivier Véran said that “the major platforms” had “removed the reported content” at the request of the government. And to add: “This effective cooperation is a prefiguration of the new legal framework which will come into force from August 25 with the application of the European DSA regulation. »
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