In the aftermath of the intense riots sparked by the police shooting of a 17-year-old, Nahel, French President Emmanuel Macron has taken aim at social media platforms for their substantial role in fueling the unrest. In a fervent appeal, he called for a crackdown on “sensitive content” that instigates violence and creates a ripple effect of lawlessness.

The Role of Social Media

The violence erupted in response to the shooting of Nahel, a teenager of North African descent, by French police. As the country grapples with the escalating tensions between the police force and the youth, social media platforms have come under scrutiny. The French government asserts that platforms like TikTok and Snapchat have acted as catalysts, encouraging and spreading acts of violence.

President Macron accused social media of playing a “considerable role” in the replication of violent acts throughout the country. In his speech on Friday, Macron also criticized video games, and urged the French government to collaborate with social media companies to eliminate content that incites violence and to identify users promoting disorder.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin revealed that the police detained 917 individuals on Thursday alone, and over 300 officers were injured in efforts to subdue the unrest.

French Government’s Concern and Response

The French government is particularly alarmed by the targeted harassment and potential endangerment of individuals involved in law enforcement. According to an anonymous French official, the name and address of the officer who shot Nahel were disclosed on social media. Furthermore, a prison officer’s professional identification was also circulated online, posing a potential threat to the individual and their family.

The French government is engaged in talks with several social media platforms, including Snapchat and Twitter, to expedite the removal of content that incites violence. There is also a push for identifying individuals who promote violence online, although this remains under discussion.

Minister Darmanin indicated that during a meeting with representatives of the social networks, he cautioned against the platforms being utilized as conduits for promoting violence. He described the representatives as “very cooperative” but hinted that the proof would be in their actions.

Legal Framework in France

France has legislation against cyber harassment, and online threats or insults can be prosecuted, although such instances are rare. In 2020, the French Parliament passed a bill requiring platforms and search engines to remove prohibited content within 24 hours.

Social Media Platforms Respond

Snapchat spokesperson, Rachel Racusen, announced that the platform has intensified its moderation efforts since Tuesday, specifically targeting content related to the riots.

“Violence has devastating consequences and we have zero tolerance for content that promotes or incites hatred or violent behavior on any part of Snapchat,” Racusen stated.

However, other major platforms like TikTok and Meta (parent company of Facebook and Instagram) have not immediately responded for comment.

Twitter, now under Elon Musk’s tenure, responded with an automated reply of a poop emoji.

Expert Views on Social Media’s Role

Digital forensics expert, Hany Farid, opined that while most platforms comply with government requests to remove content violating local laws, the feasibility of such requests varies depending on the scope and rationale.

Emma Llansó, director of the Center for Democracy & Technology’s Free Expression Project, emphasized the delicate balance social media companies must maintain. She acknowledged the necessity to remove speech inciting violence, but warned against overarching restrictions that could stifle legitimate political expression and protest.

Amid this high-stakes situation, the role of social media in either facilitating dialogue

or fostering violence remains a contentious issue that governments and platforms must tackle with caution.