The French government is launching a second investigation into the death of Jean Pormanove and Kick, including “filing an action in the judicial court for breaches.”
On August 18, French Kick streamer Jean Pormanove, real name Raphaël Graven, passed away in his sleep. The streamer’s death came after he was apparently subjected to “10 days of torture” by fellow streamers Naruto and Safine.
The 46-year-old’s death has made international headlines, with plenty of the spotlight being put on Kick for not shutting down the stream while it was unfolding. The Stake-backed platform has, however, banned the streamers involved since.
The French government, chiefly Minister Delegate for Digital Affairs, Clara Chappaz, has announced action against Kick and is taking them to court.
French government launches second legal case against Kick
Chappaz, who has demanded justice from the outset, announced on August 26 that she believes that “Kick did not do everything possible to stop the distribution of dangerous content.” This, according to Chappaz, would violate France’s 2004 Digital Trust Act.
“I am making this my fight, we will not give up,” she told authorities. The Minister Delegate for Digital Affairs also announced that a second investigation is being launched by prosecutors into the platform.
As per Le Figaro, there is an investigation from the Nice prosecutor’s office, but that will be followed by one from Paris. The separate investigation is looking to determine whether the platform ‘knowingly broadcasted’ videos of “deliberate attacks on the integrity of the person.”
Additionally, the investigation has been opened “on the grounds of providing an illegal online platform as part of an organized gang.”
Kick also faces a possible fine, up to $49.5 million, for hosting the stream. That would come from another investigation, which has been launched by Australia’s eSafety commissioner.
As per The Sydney Morning Herald, the watchdog emphasized that platforms are legally required to safeguard users from harmful or criminal material and to enforce their own terms of service.
Adin Ross, one of Kick’s co-owners, has demanded that the platform make immediate changes in regards to moderation and policies following Graven’s death. He and Drake are also apparently covering funeral costs.
