French prosecutors open inquiry into Kick platform after livestream death
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Mr Raphael Graven, known online as Jean Pormanove, died during a livestream marathon on the Australian-owned Kick platform.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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- French prosecutors are investigating Kick after a Frenchman, Raphael Graven, died following livestreamed abuse on the platform.
- Kick is under scrutiny for potentially providing illegal services and failing to report risks, violating European digital regulations.
- France may tighten online platform regulations; providing an illicit platform could result in a €1 million fine and imprisonment.
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PARIS - French prosecutors have launched an investigation into the Australian-owned video platform Kick following the online death of a Frenchman who endured days of livestreamed abuse.
The Paris prosecutor's office said it had opened a preliminary investigation into Kick after 46-year-old Raphael Graven, known online as Jean Pormanove, died during a livestream marathon
Last week, prosecutors ordered an autopsy
Kick Francais said it would fully cooperate in those investigations.
Kick did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the Aug 26 statement from the Paris prosecutor.
Prosecutors said they would examine whether Kick knowingly provided illegal services, in particular by broadcasting videos of deliberate attacks and whether Kick complied with European digital services regulations, notably the obligation to report to the authorities any risk of harm to life or personal safety.
A June 2025 law makes it a criminal offence in France to provide an illicit online platform. The offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment and a fine of €1 million (S$1.5 million) when committed by an organised gang, the statement said.
A separate investigation into the circumstances of the death, notably on the charge of aggravated intentional violence, will remain with the prosecutor in Nice.
French digital communication regulator Arcom has also launched a probe into the case and the government has said it would tighten regulations if necessary. REUTERS
