Senators are considering the possibility of implementing blocks on social networks in the event of an emergency. A provision imagined in response to the latest urban riots.
Emmanuel Macron had last summer, after the urban riots, pointed out the harmful effects of social networks, and raised the possibility of simply blocking them in the event of a new uprising. And this should not remain just empty words, since the Senate is currently studying the possibility of applying suspension measures to the networks if necessary.
Social media has increased the problem of riots
The Senate is formal. The riots of June and July 2023 were amplified by social networks. They would in fact have allowed “ the coordination of violent assemblies “, and would have created the possibility of a ” competition » between rioters from different geographic areas.
Platforms like Snapchat would thus “ gave violence a playful dimension. » An accusation which is not new, since it had already affected television in 2005, with certain commentators explaining that the day-to-day media coverage of the riots would have created a sort of emulation between the cities to find out who would be at the origin of the most spectacular disturbances.
Some functions potentially blocked in the future?
A reminder which is apparently not taken into account by the senators, who want to introduce a legal measure making it possible to block “ some social media features » during riots.
“ The idea is not to set up a system which applies permanently or which is generalized, but to be able to provide this possibility in the case of riots with particularly tense situations. » explains the rapporteur of the senatorial mission, the politician LR François-Noël Buffet.
However, this temptation could very easily be taken as the desire to establish greater state control over these platforms, which could be considered dangerous for online freedom. So, will we remain simply at the level of a reflection, or will real measures still see the light of day?
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- Ephemeral photos and videos.
- Creative filters and effects.
- Private instant messaging.
Snapchat is a photo and video sharing mobile application created in 2011. It allows users to take photos and videos, add filters, effects, text and drawings, and send them to their friends. friends or add them to their Story. The photos and videos sent are ephemeral and only remain available for a limited period of time before disappearing.
Snapchat is a photo and video sharing mobile application created in 2011. It allows users to take photos and videos, add filters, effects, text and drawings, and send them to their friends. friends or add them to their Story. The photos and videos sent are ephemeral and only remain available for a limited period of time before disappearing.
Source : Release, Senate
Tech journalist, specializing in the impact of high technologies on international relations. I am passionate about all the new developments in the field (Blockchain, AI, quantum...), energy issues, and astronomy. Often one foot in Asia, and always ready to put on the gloves.
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