President Emmanuel Macron’s government faced criticism on Wednesday after the centrist leader expressed the need for powers to “disconnect” social media in the event of widespread violence, such as the recent riots.

“We must consider social networks and the restrictions we may need to implement. When things spiral out of control, we may need to regulate or disconnect them,” Macron stated during a meeting with mayors, as reported by the media.

Macron and his ministers specifically highlighted platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, and encrypted messenger Telegram for their role in disseminating images of the violent incidents following the police shooting of a 17-year-old teenager, Nahel M, on June 27.

Criticism swiftly emerged from opposition politicians across the spectrum. Marine Tondelier, leader of the Greens, expressed concern, saying, “This is worrying. When we come to a point where we consider cutting off social networks as the only solution, we question the state France is in,” during an interview with broadcaster France Inter.

Opposition figures from both the left and right also voiced their opposition, with Mathilde Panot, leader of the hard-left France Unbowed party, tweeting, “Ok Kim Jong-Un,” in reference to North Korea’s isolated leader. Conservative parliamentary chief Olivier Marleix criticized the proposal, stating on Twitter, “Cut off social networks? Like China, Iran, or North Korea? Even if it’s a provocation to divert attention, it’s in very poor taste.”

Discontent was even evident within Macron’s own parliamentary camp. MP Eric Bothorel argued against cutting off social networks, asserting that doing so would imply “giving up on the idea that democracy is stronger than the tools used against it. It would be a mistake.”

The Digital Transition Minister’s office clarified that disconnecting social networks was not being seriously considered. Instead, the government intends to convene lawmakers to discuss potential amendments to an ongoing social network bill currently being debated. Cabinet spokesman Olivier Veran stated that a working group would explore legal tools and possible clarifications that could be added to the legislation.

Veran explained that these measures could involve suspending certain features, such as geolocation functions that facilitate the organization of violent acts in public, giving the authorities the power to temporarily suspend them.

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