Attal proposes blocking social networks

Gabriel Attal, a presidential candidate for the Renaissance party, has suggested temporarily blocking access to certain social networks in response to recent violent demonstrations on October 17, 2026. He argues that these platforms are used to organize vandalism and incite violence, and he wants to prevent what he calls "pack mentality" fueled by online interactions.

Legal challenges of blocking social media

The idea of restricting access to social media is not new in France. It was previously discussed during the student protests at the end of September 2026. However, legal experts note that implementing such a measure is complicated by strict regulations and past legal rejections, such as when the French government tried to block Tiktok in New Caledonia in May 2024.

Strict legal conditions for blocking

The Council of State, France’s highest administrative court, has set strict conditions for legally blocking social networks. These include proving that the measure is "indispensable" due to an event of "particular gravity," that no less harmful alternatives are available, and that the block must be "limited in duration." These conditions make it difficult to justify such a measure in court.

Legal and EU constraints

Jonathan Elkaim, a digital law specialist, says meeting these criteria is particularly challenging. He also warns that blocking social networks would likely face legal challenges, as it could be seen as a violation of freedom of expression. Additionally, France’s ability to act is limited by the European Union’s Digital Services Act, which classifies most major platforms as "very large platforms."

EU’s role in social media regulation

Under the Digital Services Act, France’s main tool for influencing social media during crises is Article 36, which allows the European Commission to activate an emergency response. This would involve the European Committee on Digital Services recommending that platforms take specific actions, such as adjusting recommendation algorithms or moderating hashtags, rather than outright blocking access.