French government could cut off social media during unrest, says Macron
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/05/french-government-should-control-social-media-during-unrest-macron-saysHere is a summary of the article:
• French President Emmanuel Macron has said the government should have the power to control social media networks during periods of unrest.
• Macron made the comments during an interview with a French TV station. He was referring to recent protests in France against the government's cost of living policies.
• Macron said during periods of crisis, the government needs the power to "block content that goes against republican values and is clearly creating confusion and putting people's lives at risk."
• Critics say Macron's call for more government control of social media raises concerns about censorship and freedom of speech.
• Opposition politicians accused Macron of attacking fundamental French freedoms and wanting to restrict the free flow of information.
• Macron countered that social media networks are already heavily regulated in France over issues like hate speech and terrorist propaganda. He argued the government needed similar powers during unrest.