Arcom Faces Scrutiny Over Digital Regulation Following Graven’s Death
The French regulatory authority, Arcom, has come under fire for its handling of reports concerning online harassment, particularly following the tragic death of streamer Graven. In February, Arcom was alerted to his mistreatment by the French Human Rights League, which reported that complaints typically receive no response within six months, reports 24brussels.
In a recent interview, Arcom’s president, Chappaz, asserted that she takes all complaints regarding digital regulation “very seriously.” However, she acknowledged the challenges posed by the absence of established rules in the digital realm, stating, “we live in a digital world where, until recently, there were no rules.”
Chappaz highlighted the urgency in addressing what she called the “digital Wild West,” indicating that while progress is needed, it is neither easy nor swift.
In response to Graven’s death, the Australian livestream platform Kick expressed its condolences and pledged to fully cooperate with the relevant authorities. By Friday, the platform had reinstated Graven’s channel, although several videos seemed to have been taken down.
Kick clarified that the channel was reactivated to facilitate access for investigators. However, Arcom condemned this action, stating, “Making recordings on the ‘jeanpormanove’ channel available to the authorities cannot justify lifting the block on the channel for the general public.” The authority emphasized that the decision contradicted earlier assurances regarding the gravity of the ongoing situation.
