EMMANUEL Macron is facing a backlash after threatening to cut off social media networks as a means of stopping the spread of violence during periods of unrest. But I think it’s a real debate that we need to have in the cold light of day,” Macron told the mayors in a video obtained by BFM television. Olivier Faure, the leader of the Socialist party, tweeted: “The country of the rights of man and citizens cannot align itself with those great democracies of China, Russia and Iran.”Olivier Marleix, from the centre-right Les Républicains, added: “Cut social media? Instead of debating the issue of police violence … we are diverting to the responsibility of the social media networks and parents,” Ouassak told BFM television. The president had made it clear he wanted a “calm and considered” debate about the role of social media on the recent unrest, the source said.

Source: The Guardian July 05, 2023 23:17 UTC