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Kick Français, the platform’s French branch, responded to the situation, saying it was reviewing all content originating from France.
Kick, registered in Australia, is known for its generous revenue-sharing model with content creators (Instagram/jeanpormanove)
The French government has announced plans to take legal action against the Australian-based streaming platform Kick, following the death of a French content creator during a live broadcast. The case has sparked a national outcry over content moderation and the responsibilities of digital platforms operating in Europe.
Digital Affairs Minister Clara Chappaz said on Tuesday that prosecutors had accused Kick of “negligence” in its handling of the incident. “Kick did not do everything possible to stop the broadcast of dangerous content,” Chappaz stated, citing a breach of a 2004 French law regulating online platforms.
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The controversy surrounds the death of 46-year-old French streamer Raphael Graven, widely known online as “Jean Pormanove” or simply “JP.” Graven died in August during a 12-day live streaming marathon on his Kick channel, which featured content involving abuse, humiliation, and viewer-driven dares. He had gained notoriety for enduring such extreme content as part of his broadcasts.
Post-mortem examinations concluded that Graven’s death was not caused by trauma or the actions of another person.
On Tuesday, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed that a formal investigation had been opened a day earlier. The inquiry will assess whether Kick “knowingly” broadcast “videos of deliberate attacks on personal integrity.” French authorities will also examine the platform’s compliance with the European Union’s Digital Services Act, which sets out rules for online content moderation and user safety.
Kick Français, the platform’s French branch, responded to the situation in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), saying it would fully cooperate with the investigation and was reviewing all content originating from France. “Our priority is to protect creators and ensure a safer environment on Kick,” the platform said. “All co-streamers who participated in this live broadcast have been banned pending the ongoing investigation.”
Kick, registered in Australia, is known for its generous revenue-sharing model with content creators. However, the platform has faced scrutiny for its lax moderation policies.
Those found guilty of violating French online content laws in such cases face penalties of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of €1 million ($1.17 million).
Graven initially rose to prominence by commentating on video games like Fortnite and FIFA, known for his angry and provocative style. He later shifted to streaming staged live shows designed to provoke reactions and attract attention. Speaking before an inquiry in January, Graven said he earned “sums of €6,000″ from his content and denied being a victim of violence.
Kick reiterated that all co-streamers involved in the marathon livestream have been banned until further notice.
- Location :
France
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