French Riots: Macron Floats Social Media Restrictions

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Facts

  • During a meeting with mayors representing areas affected by ongoing riots, French Pres. Emmanuel Macron said that the government should consider regulating or shutting down access to social media sites, as unrest over the shooting of a 17-year-old continues.1
  • Macron has publicly blamed social media websites for inflaming the unrest in France, as he told the mayors that social media has changed "the way young people relate to reality."2
  • France's Interior Minister and Digital Minister met with representatives from TikTok, Snap, Twitter, and Meta last Friday, where the platforms were asked to actively remove violent content and help authorities identify those using the platforms to call for unrest.3
  • Macron said that restricting social media is a "real debate" that should continue once "things cool down" in France — comments that drew condemnation from across the political spectrum, including from Macron's own party. France has endorsed numerous UN resolutions condemning government internet blocking.2
  • A government spokesperson has stressed to the public that any actions would be "functional suspensions" on features such as geolocation, to prevent large gatherings.4
  • France's Digital Transition Minister announced on Tuesday that a working group has been formed to address the role of social media in the protests, which could be included in future legislation.4

Sources: 1Guardian, 2POLITICO, 3Bloomberg, and 4Euronews.

Narratives

  • Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by Al Arabiya English. Macron has reduced himself to despotic tactics by attacking free expression on the internet. The tactic of social media censorship to quell unrest is a tactic of dictators, not leaders in free countries. What is driving the protests against the killing of Nahel Merzouk is anger against racism and discrimination in French society, not cell phones, which Macron is steadfastly refusing to recognize.
  • Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Politico. Any potential restrictions on social media are for the sake of public safety, not censorship. Violent rioters are organizing through social media platforms. Videos of their crimes go viral and spur more violence, as social media sites abdicate responsibility for the real-world repercussions of their platform. This inaction is leading to unnecessary violence and destruction in France.