Reported Content in France Largely Removed from Social Media

French President Emmanuel Macron, appearing as a guest on internet media outlet HugoDecrypte, evaluated the protests by high school students and the Yellow Vests. Macron stated that social media platforms have removed the majority of content reported by local authorities.

French President Emmanuel Macron, in his statements to the media outlet HugoDecrypte, called for high schools to reopen their doors following the ongoing mid-term break in the country. Stating that the demands of the youth have been heard, Macron expressed that classes must resume. Noting his solidarity with students who were severely injured during the protests, including those who lost an eye or a hand, Macron conveyed that it pains him for the youth to experience the situation regarding police intervention in their bodies. Pointing out that there are also police officers injured at a young age, Macron called for both sides to return to calm.

Stating that discussions were conducted by Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu regarding the request to cut off access to social media platforms during the Yellow Vests' protests on October 24, Macron noted that platforms only partially removed illegal content inciting violence and looting during the October 17 protests. Macron reported that in protests organized after this date, the vast majority of content reported by local authorities was removed by the platforms.