OMM Newsroom
France has reportedly asked telecom operators to prepare to suspend access to social media platforms if violence occurs during protests this weekend, according to Anadolu Agency, citing French online outlet Blast.
Blast reported that Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu sent a letter on Thursday to representatives of “Orange”, “SFR”, “Free” and “Bouygues Telecom” ahead of Saturday’s Yellow Vests protests.
The letter reportedly asked the operators to be ready to temporarily block access to “TikTok”, “Instagram”, “Snapchat” and “X” if violence occurs during the demonstrations.
Members of Lecornu’s Cabinet and the operators’ legal directors also held an online meeting ahead of the protests. According to the minutes, the government wanted any restrictions to apply only to cellphones and specific areas.
The operators expressed reservations about the request, saying they lacked the capacity to implement the measures in the short term. The government has not yet responded to Blast’s report.
In 2024, the French government blocked access to “TikTok” during protests in New Caledonia. In 2025, France’s Council of State overturned the government’s decision to restrict access to the platform in the territory.
The Yellow Vests movement returned to the streets on Saturday to protest the rising cost of living. Approximately 1,000 people have been detained during the demonstrations.
