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France Opens Criminal Probe Into Kick and Will Sue Platform Over On‑Air Death

Australia’s eSafety regulator is pursuing a parallel case that could trigger penalties of up to A$49.5 million.

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Photo of Raphael Graven, known online as Jean Pormanove, and Kick logo are seen in this illustration taken August 21, 2025. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
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Overview

  • Paris prosecutors tasked the Anti-Cybercrime Office with examining possible breaches of the EU Digital Services Act and whether Kick knowingly distributed videos showing individuals being harmed.
  • Digital affairs minister Clara Chappaz filed a complaint and said the government will take Kick to court for negligence under France’s 2004 online law.
  • Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has opened an investigation into Kick’s safety measures with enforcement options that include major fines and future under‑16 access restrictions flagged for December.
  • A post‑mortem found no external or internal trauma in Raphaël Graven’s death, and investigators are continuing medical and toxicology testing.
  • Kick said it banned the co‑streamers involved, cut ties with a French social media manager, began reviewing France‑origin content, and will cooperate with authorities.