The French government is considering cutting social media to prevent theft

The French Government is consideringsuspending the social networks  to prevent the organisation of those involved in the riots inthe contextof the riots that took place outside thedemonstrations on Saturday 17 October   . At least 3,000 shops have been damaged during the protests in France against the increase in the cost of living and against the degradation of health and education.

The prohibition of networks or the interceptionof encrypted messages are more difficult options due to "technical and legal difficulties." However, the interruption of networks is more acceptable, according to the French Minister of the Interior, Laurent Núñez. The leader recalled that by decision of the 2025 Council of State, the highest administrative jurisdictionin France, this could be applied under "very specific, very strict conditions."

The senior official has argued that the networks are being used to call demonstrations, which are endingup in acts of violence . Those involved in these incidents, through social media,are finding out in real timethe whereabouts of the police. Nuñez has cited TikTok and Snapchat networks.

The French Government has already ordered partial curfewsin some of the most populous cities in the country (Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Nice) in order to "stop" the riots. So farmore than 2,500 people have been arrested (95% men and 70% adults), of whom 174 have been provisionally imprisoned, according to the latest data from Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin.

The authorities are once again on alert to the call to mobilizethe yellow vests again on October 24.