Social media platforms are facing scrutiny in France as President Emmanuel Macron blames TikTok, Snapchat, and other platforms for contributing to widespread riots following the fatal police shooting of a 17-year-old driver.

Macron accused social media of playing a "considerable role" in encouraging acts of violence and called for the removal of "sensitive content" and the identification of users promoting disorder.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin met with social media companies to emphasize that they must not allow themselves to be used as channels for violence.

The French government is concerned about the dissemination of sensitive information, such as the name and address of the police officer involved in the shooting, through social media.

Talks between the government and platforms like Snapchat and Twitter have begun to expedite the removal of content inciting violence.

However, identifying individuals who incite violence is still in the discussion stage.

While social media platforms often police calls for violence, they also comply with local laws and government requests, which can be controversial.

Snapchat cooperates with law enforcement and government agencies to fulfill valid requests for information, while TikTok responds to French government requests for content removal or account restrictions.

Balancing the removal of legitimately inciting speech with protecting freedom of expression during protests and political debates is a complex challenge for social media companies.

The response of these platforms during this moment of unrest in France will significantly influence people's ability to express their political voices.

Source: TOI