Mayor calls for social media regulation

Nicolas Isnard, mayor of Salon-de-Provence, has proposed a law to regulate social media in an effort to prevent violence and riots, as he explained during an interview on Les Grandes Gueules of RMC. He argued that social media platforms can amplify initial demands and that limiting access for minors might be necessary in some cases.

Regulation discussions not new

The idea of regulating social media is not new, as similar debates have occurred in public discourse even before the recent student protests. However, the practical details of how such a law would function remain unclear, particularly regarding whether it could lead to temporary bans on access to prevent unrest.

TikTok suspension example cited

Isnard referenced the temporary blocking of TikTok in New Caledonia in May 2024, which was later declared illegal by the Council of State. The Council of State ruled the block excessive, though it acknowledged that under exceptional circumstances, a platform could be temporarily restricted under strict conditions.

Legal challenges to regulation

Any law aiming to block social media access would need to align with the freedom of communication guaranteed by Article 11 of the Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen. In August 2026, the Constitutional Council criticized a law that banned minors under 15 from accessing social media, calling the restrictions disproportionate and harmful to freedom of expression.

European regulations on blocking

At the European level, the 2015 regulation on an open internet allows national laws to impose blockages, as long as they comply with Union law. The 2022 Digital Services Act (DSA) does not outright ban blocking but sets strict conditions. It includes targeted moderation, such as removing illegal content, suspending accounts, and increasing cooperation between platforms and judicial authorities.

Judicial oversight required

Under the DSA, a blockage can only be considered as a last resort, ordered by a judge at the request of the national coordinator for digital services (Arcom in France). Such a measure would be limited to four weeks and could be renewed, but only if there are persistent violations threatening the life or safety of individuals.

French courts play key role

French judges have a crucial role in deciding on any restrictive measures, especially under Article 6-3 of the 2004 law on trust in the digital economy. They must assess the existence of current or future damage, hear all parties, and determine if the requested measure is appropriate, necessary, and proportionate.

Existing measures preferred

Authorities already have targeted tools available, such as content removal, account suspension, and legal action. A blockage aimed at minors would only be considered as a last resort, under judicial supervision, as illustrated by the Paris Court of Appeal ruling on Shein in March 2026.