Emmanuel Macron says France could cut off access to social media during unrest

As riots by immigrants continue to ravage France, country’s President, Emmanuel Macron, suggested that government should contemplate controlling and potentially cutting off social media networks during times of civil unrest. His remarks came as his ministers attributed organisation as well encouragement of rioting and violence to young individuals using platforms like Snapchat and TikTok. riots started after shooting of a teenager during a police traffic stop in a Paris suburb.

Speaking at a meeting with over 200 mayors whose municipalities have been affected by violence, Macron emphasised need to consider how young people utilise social networks and acknowledged that regulatory measures or disconnection may be necessary when situation spirals out of control. He also cautioned against hasty actions taken in heat of moment and expressed relief that such measures h not been required thus far, reported Guardian.

TikTok, Snapchat being used by rioters

Last week, Macron called on social media companies to exhibit a "sense of responsibility" and remove sensitive posts, particularly those depicting or encouraging violence and looting. In a bid to dress issue, French ministers held meetings with representatives from TikTok and Snapchat. Justice minister Éric Dupond-Moretti subsequently indicated that legal action would be pursued to identify individuals using social media to coordinate illegal activities and bring m to justice.

French government has been grappling with riots and looting since fatal shooting of 17-year-old Nahel M during a traffic stop on June 27. incident reignited long-standing allegations of systemic racism within country's security forces. On Wednesday morning, violence appeared to be subsiding, with 17 arrests me overnight, including seven in Paris. Official figures reported 116 incidents of arson, including eight buildings and 78 vehicles.