Putin Says French Protests Show Need for State Control of Social Media

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in Moscow, while addressing representatives of African countries attending the Russia-Africa summit, that governments should be able to influence social media in the interests of security. He cited protests in France as evidence that stronger state oversight of online platforms is needed.

Putin claimed that French leaders themselves point out that platforms not under French jurisdiction are affecting events in major cities. In his view, the French authorities struggle to influence how social networks operate in their country, or have no influence at all. He said all countries should have such influence and think about security, but did not specify what form it should take.

Protests in France

In recent weeks, hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets in France to protest rising prices and falling living standards. Russia-linked disinformation networks have themselves been accused of exploiting the unrest. Researchers at Alliance4Europe identified a coordinated campaign tying anger over living costs to France's support for Ukraine, but found no evidence that foreign actors were behind the protests themselves.

Internet freedom in Russia

In an internet freedom ranking compiled by technology research company Cloudwards, Russia scored four out of 100, placing it alongside Iran, China and Pakistan. Only North Korea ranked lower, with zero points. The researchers say Russia systematically blocks or restricts major international platforms, including YouTube, X, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, as well as the messaging services WhatsApp and Telegram and independent news outlets.

Russian authorities have also effectively banned opposition street protests at home, using restrictive assembly laws and lingering coronavirus measures to prevent or disperse demonstrations.