Is Macron turning France into a ‘Social Media Dictatorship’?

In the aftermath of widespread violence and riots, French President Emmanuel Macron has ignited controversy by suggesting that the government should have the ability to regulate or even shut down social media platforms when situations spiral out of control.

Macron’s comments were made during a meeting with mayors, as reported by media outlets. The President pointed out the role of platforms like Snapchat, TikTok and Telegram in disseminating images of the violent incidents that occurred following the police shooting of a teenager named Nahel M on June 27.

Opposition parties from both ends of the political spectrum have criticized Macron’s proposal. Greens leader Marine Tondelier expressed concern over the idea that shutting down social media was the only solution, suggesting it reflects a concerning point reached in France. Mathilde Panot, chief of the far-left party France Unbowed, sarcastically equated Macron’s plan to North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un’s internet control policies.

Even some members within Macron’s parliamentary camp voiced their concerns, with MP Eric Bothorel saying that to cut off social media would be tantamount to admitting that democracy cannot stand against the tools used against it. However, Digital Transition Minister Jean-Noel Barrot clarified that shutting down social media wasn’t being considered. Instead, the government plans to bring lawmakers together to discuss how to modify an existing social network bill that’s currently under debate.