During the recent riots after the death of Nahel, social networks were singled out by the executive, accused of reinforcing mobilizations and violence on the ground. The President of the Republic had notably called TikTok and Snapchat to “a spirit of responsibility”. While both parties have worked together in recent events, Snapchat is defending its position and features.
“Since the beginning [of the riots], we have mobilized a dedicated cross-functional task force – working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – which responded quickly to all reports from the affected areas”, specifies a spokesperson for the platform. The “Snap Map”, a flagship tool of Snapchat, was also scrutinized. In particular, it provides access to geolocated videos, highlighted in turquoise blue, for example specifically in Nanterre or Marseille. The social network assures it, “Any content that violates the guidelines” has been removed.
As for the accusation of participating in the violence of the riots, Snapchat relativizes: “The vast majority of content we have seen in relation to recent events has been made up of people sharing their perspective on what is happening on the ground, rather than content that promotes or incites violence or hatred.”
For his part, if Emmanuel Macron had mentioned the possibility of “cutting social networks” when “things get carried away”, the government wants to be more moderate. Executive spokesman Olivier Véran clarified on Wednesday that certain features could be suspended but that he did not intend to carry out “a generalized blackout” of the platforms.
“We have to study cold what it would be relevant to act on”, underlines in Figaro the cabinet of Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister Delegate for the Digital Transition. Next Wednesday, a transpartisan and joint working group will also be created with senators and deputies. The objective: “to put on the table a certain number of questions which will preserve fundamental freedoms” and “to recall the way in which all of these players work” in the digital world.
The firm also recalls that from August 25, the Digital Service Act “will extend the responsibilities” of social networks. This text will notably order more moderation and a “study to correct the systemic effects of their functionalities”. If “France will be intransigent”, social networks are still far from having to completely cease their activity.