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French Streamers Receive Suspended Jail Terms Over Livestreamed Death

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Two French livestreamers have been given suspended prison sentences after being convicted of assaulting and humiliating a man during a livestream that ended with his death. The victim, 46-year-old Raphael Graven, known online as Jean Pormanove, was subjected to days of abuse on the streaming platform Kick before he died.

A court in Nice found the two men guilty of violence and incitement to hatred but did not convict them of causing Graven’s death, which prosecutors said was likely due to his poor health. The defendants argued that the acts had been scripted and carried out with the victim’s consent, though the court ruled that some conduct could not be justified by consent.

One streamer received an 18-month suspended sentence and a €5,000 fine, while the other was handed a two-year suspended sentence and fined €15,000. Both were also banned from posting on social media for six months. The case has intensified scrutiny of online streaming platforms, with Kick remaining under investigation by French authorities.

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Greece to Ban Social Media Access for Under-15s from 2027

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Greece has announced plans to ban social media access for children under 15 starting January next year, aiming to address rising anxiety, sleep problems, and excessive screen time among young people. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said the move targets the addictive design of social media platforms while ensuring technology remains a tool for learning and creativity.

The proposed law places Greece among a growing number of countries taking action to limit children’s exposure to online platforms. Nations such as Australia, France, Austria, and Spain have introduced or are considering similar restrictions, while the UK, Ireland, and Denmark are exploring comparable measures. Greece is also pushing for a unified European Union framework with mandatory age verification and regular checks on user ages.

Social media companies have opposed blanket bans, arguing they may be difficult to enforce and could isolate vulnerable teenagers. The debate has intensified globally following growing evidence linking heavy social media use to mental health issues, with recent legal cases in the United States highlighting concerns over addictive platform designs and their impact on young users.

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Austria Plans Social Media Ban for Children Under 14

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Austria has announced plans to ban social media access for children under the age of 14, joining a growing list of countries considering tighter online restrictions for minors. The proposal comes after negotiations within the coalition government, with Vice-Chancellor Andreas Babler stating that authorities must act against the harmful and addictive effects of social media on young users.

The move reflects a broader trend across Europe and beyond, with countries like France, Spain, and Australia already proposing or implementing similar restrictions. In the United States, a recent court case also found major platforms had designed addictive algorithms that negatively impacted young people’s mental health, adding momentum to stricter regulations.

While Austrian officials say the ban will include age-verification measures and could align with EU systems, critics argue it may limit freedom of expression. Despite opposition concerns, analysts suggest the policy is popular among parents and part of wider government efforts to address social and educational challenges.

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France Moves to Ban Social Media for Under-15s Amid Child Safety Concerns

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France’s National Assembly has approved legislation to ban children under the age of 15 from accessing social media platforms, citing rising concerns over online bullying, mental health risks and youth violence. Lawmakers voted 116 to 23 in favour of the bill, which would also restrict social-networking features embedded within wider digital platforms. The proposal now heads to the Senate before returning to the lower house for a final vote.

President Emmanuel Macron has strongly backed the move, urging France to follow Australia’s lead after it introduced a world-first ban on social media access for under-16s in December. Macron wants the French ban to take effect by the start of the next academic year in September. Supporters of the bill argue that social media is harming children’s well-being, with lawmakers warning it is reducing sleep, reading habits and self-esteem among young users.

If enacted, the law would require platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and Snapchat to enforce age restrictions using verification systems compliant with EU regulations. While enforcement remains a challenge, public backing in France is strong, with a 2024 survey showing nearly three-quarters of respondents support the ban. The legislation would also extend France’s existing smartphone ban in schools to include high schools, as debate continues across Europe on setting minimum ages for social media use.

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