Gabriel Attal suggests internet blocking in protest areas

Gabriel Attal, a former French Prime Minister and candidate for the 2027 presidential election, proposed a "temporary, targeted blocking" of internet access in areas affected by recent riots during an RTL interview. He argued that social media platforms act as "convergence points" and encourage mimetism, a term referring to the copying of behaviors, among younger users. This discussion came after widespread protests on October 17, where social media played a key role in organizing and spreading information about the demonstrations.

TikTok and other apps helped organize the protests

A TikTok user known as "V2" gained significant attention by calling for the October 17 protests against fuel price increases. His video received over 6 million views and 800,000 likes, and the platform's algorithm amplified his message. Messaging apps like Telegram were also used extensively, according to a police source. Instagram and Snapchat reportedly used live geolocation features to help organize the gatherings, as noted by Public Sénat.

Blocking foreign platforms is legally and technically complex

The French government cannot directly block platforms like TikTok or Telegram, as their servers are located outside France. However, it could pressure domestic internet service providers to prevent access. Possible methods include DNS blocking, IP blocking, and traffic inspection. DNS blocking is common for piracy sites but can be bypassed. IP blocking is more effective but carries risks, and traffic inspection is used in some countries but would be hard to implement quickly in France.

Targeted blocking faces technical and legal hurdles

Implementing a "targeted blocking" in riot-affected areas would be complicated, requiring cooperation from multiple mobile operators and virtual operators. Geographic targeting on mobile networks is difficult due to how antennas cover areas. On fixed lines, blocking would need to be done individually. This differs from the TikTok shutdown in New Caledonia, which was ruled illegal by the Council of State as an "excessive breach" of freedoms.

European law limits government control over social media

New Caledonia is not subject to European law, as it is classified as an overseas territory associated with the EU. In mainland France, any action against social media must follow the Digital Services Act (DSA), which requires platforms to remove reported content and assess algorithmic risks. The DSA allows the European Commission to ask platforms to evaluate their role in crises but does not permit a government to unilaterally block a service.

Challenges remain even with existing tools

VPNs and proxy servers make it hard to block access to platforms like Telegram, which are designed to resist censorship. Authorities can use tools like content reporting, account suspensions, and judicial orders to identify authors of illegal content. On October 19, Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a large-scale judicial operation involving 200 investigators to examine violent content shared on social media.