Government weighs temporary, targeted shutdown of major social media platforms

Gabriel Attal, speaking on RTL, called for a temporary and targeted shutdown of major social media sites to stop the "herd effect" that amplifies protests. He linked recent violent incidents at the margins of demonstrations to the role of these platforms in spreading coordination. Nicolas Isnard, mayor of Salon-de-Provence, previously demanded a short-term ban on the networks that youths use to launch actions against schools and teachers.

Since the rise of the Gilets jaunes movement in 2018, social media has become increasingly central to organizing popular movements, prompting some officials to consider stricter controls. While the legal framework permits such a block under certain conditions, the practical steps to enforce it remain complex. The proposals highlight growing political debate over digital platform regulation in the context of public order.