French authorities have launched an investigation into the Australian video streaming platform Kick following the death of Raphaël Graven, a content creator known online as Jean Pormanove. Graven, who was 46, died during a livestream near Nice on August 18, raising concerns about the platform's content moderation practices.

Investigation into Content Moderation

The Paris prosecutor's office is examining whether Kick knowingly broadcasted videos that compromised personal integrity, potentially violating the European Union's Digital Services Act. This legislation requires platforms to alert authorities if content poses a threat to individual safety. Clara Chappaz, France's digital affairs minister, has announced plans to sue Kick for alleged negligence, accusing the platform of failing to prevent the dissemination of dangerous content.

Circumstances Surrounding Graven's Death

Graven's livestreams often featured him enduring staged violence and humiliation, reportedly to generate buzz and income. A postmortem confirmed that his death was not caused by trauma or third-party actions. Despite this, local police have seized videos and interviewed individuals present during the livestream. Graven had previously denied being a victim of violence, asserting that the acts were consensual and performed for entertainment.

Kick's Response and Community Guidelines

Kick, a platform similar to Twitch, has expressed its condolences to Graven's family and reiterated its commitment to cooperating with the investigation. The platform emphasized its community guidelines, designed to protect creators, and stated that it is reviewing its French content. All co-streamers involved in the broadcast have been banned pending further investigation.