France’s former prime minister and current head of Emmanuel Macron’s party, Gabriel Attal, has announced plans to curb “screen addiction” among young people, following the death on screen of streamer Jean Pormanove, whose real name was Raphaël Graven.
Pormanove, who had faced months of online abuse, died live on social media last week in front of thousands of viewers.
On 21 August, forensic experts ruled out traumatic causes or third-party involvement in his death, though further toxicology tests are underway.
Police in France are investigating the death of Raphaël Graven, known as Jean Pormanove or JP, who died online after he was constantly attacked and humiliated by fellow streamers over a live broadcast of more than 10 days. https://t.co/HmWttwBaMn
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) August 21, 2025
Attal described the death as “a brutal revelation of social media platforms that have become ‘the new circus games’ where a man can be humiliated, insulted, beaten, mutilated, for months, in a sordid race for likes.”
According to Attal, social media have become “lawless zones” where “everything is permitted, nothing is moderated, and everything is accessible, regardless of age.”
In response, he set out a package of measures aimed at protecting young people.
“We are heading straight toward a health, educational, and societal disaster,” he said on August 21.
These include mandatory screening in middle schools and high schools for signs of screen addiction. A strict ban on social media use for under-15s and a “digital curfew” for 15- to 18-year-olds, with limits on daily access.
He also demanded that we convert videos longer than 30 minutes to black and white to reduce dopamine stimulation, as well as a new tax on platforms to fund research into screen addiction and mental health.
“With the constant stream of short-form content, our young people are becoming social media addicts. Hooked on the succession of images, shocking speeches, and increasingly violent acts. So, we must act,” he explained.
Gabriel Attal’s proposal comes amid an EU shift on social media and online liberties.
Several EU countries are also moving to tighten regulations on digital platforms amid growing concern about their effects on children and teenagers.
This summer, Italy, France, Denmark, Spain and Greece announced they would test a new EU-backed age-verification app, designed to let users prove they are over 18 online more easily.
On August 12, the German Green Party have pushed for social media for children and youths.
Italy, France, Denmark, Spain, and Greece said they would pilot an online age verification app prototype developed by the European Commission, making it easier for users to prove that they are over 18. https://t.co/vKwCpMuYHw
— Brussels Signal (@brusselssignal) July 16, 2025
