Internet Security Service Based in France Disappears Without a Trace
The French organization, Point de Contact, which plays a pivotal role in removing illegal content from the internet, is facing an uncertain future due to a lack of state funding. This situation has raised concerns for the president of Point de Contact, as Pharos, the institution that handles reports, is already dysfunctional and in distress.
If Point de Contact were to cease operations, French citizens could face significant negative consequences related to online safety and legal compliance. Here are some key potential consequences:
- Increased exposure to illegal content: Without Point de Contact mediating between users and online platforms to flag and ensure removal of illegal content, harmful material such as hate speech, abuse, child exploitation, or dangerous misinformation could persist longer online. Platforms, like Kick or YouTube, rely on notifications from such organizations to act against illegal content [1][2][4].
- Reduced protection for vulnerable groups: Point de Contact contributes to protecting minors and victims of abuse by facilitating the prompt removal of illegal and harmful content. Its absence could impair efforts to shield children and vulnerable individuals from abusive or humiliating content, as highlighted by cases like the harassment leading to the French streamer Pormanove’s on-air death [1][4].
- Challenges for platforms to fulfill legal obligations: Under French law, platforms must remove illegal content once they are notified. Point de Contact acts as a trusted intermediary, helping meet these legal duties. Its shutdown would create a gap, potentially delaying or disrupting compliance mechanisms and enforcement, increasing risks for both users and platforms [1][2].
- Overall weakening of internet safety and regulation enforcement: France’s online safety ecosystem depends on organizations like Point de Contact along with regulatory bodies such as ARCOM and codes implemented by Ofcom-like authorities. Losing this point of contact undermines coordinated responses to digital crimes and illegal content proliferation [2][3].
Behind each report of intimate content, there are desperate people who lack the means or courage to remove the content themselves. The association Point de Contact requires 41,000 € to carry out its layoffs and survive in 2024, with the aim of either refounding or reorganizing the structure. However, the cabinet of Mrs. Agresti-Robach, responsible for Citizenship, has not responded to the association's calls, emails, or written inquiries. The association accuses the State of administrative responsibility in its critical situation and asks for it to take action.
The cabinet of Marina Ferrari has expressed support but cannot provide the necessary funds. The abrupt suspension of Point de Contact's activities will have disastrous consequences for people in distress. The question remains unanswered: given the volume of reports, who will be able to handle the protection of French citizens from illegal content circulating on the internet? Fighting illegal content is a complex task requiring professional expertise and a protected environment. During the Olympic Games, Pharos' overload is expected to increase, potentially leading to pedocriminal reports not being handled until after the Games.
Sources:
[1] https://www.lemonde.fr/societe/article/2023/02/01/point-de-contact-la-crise-de-l-association-chargee-de-lutter-contre-l-exploitation-sexuelle-en-ligne_6222846_3234.html [2] https://www.franceinfo.fr/emissions/le-grand-20h/point-de-contact-l-association-chargee-de-lutter-contre-l-exploitation-sexuelle-en-ligne-peut-etre-forcee-a-fermer-ses-portes-en-2024_a826343/ [3] https://www.franceinter.fr/emissions/les-matins-de-france-inter/point-de-contact-l-association-chargee-de-lutter-contre-l-exploitation-sexuelle-en-ligne-peut-etre-forcee-a-fermer-ses-portes-en-2024_3274014 [4] https://www.lefigaro.fr/actualites-france/2023/02/01/societe/point-de-contact-l-association-chargee-de-lutter-contre-l-exploitation-sexuelle-en-ligne-peut-etre-forcee-a-fermer-ses-portes-en-2024_1547018
This article is for informational purposes only and does not express any opinions or judgments.
- The lack of funding for Point de Contact, a French organization vital in managing illegal content online, may lead to a rise in the visibility of illicit content such as hate speech, abuse, child exploitation, and misinformation on platforms like YouTube and Kick.
- In the absence of Point de Contact, efforts to protect minors and victims of abuse by removing harmful content may be impeded, potentially exposing children and vulnerable individuals to humiliating and abusive content seen in cases like the Pormanove scandal.
- Without Point de Contact, online platforms may struggle to meet their legal obligations in removing illegal content, causing delays or disruptions in compliance mechanisms and enforcement, which could put both users and the platforms at risk.
