Here is a summary of the article:
• French President Emmanuel Macron has said the government should have the power to control social media networks during periods of unrest.
• Macron made the comments during an interview with a French TV station. He was referring to recent protests in France against the government’s cost of living policies.
• Macron said during periods of crisis, the government needs the power to “block content that goes against republican values and is clearly creating confusion and putting people’s lives at risk.”
• Critics say Macron’s call for more government control of social media raises concerns about censorship and freedom of speech.
• Opposition politicians accused Macron of attacking fundamental French freedoms and wanting to restrict the free flow of information.
• Macron countered that social media networks are already heavily regulated in France over issues like hate speech and terrorist propaganda. He argued the government needed similar powers during unrest.
The implementation of such measures in a democratic society should be viewed as an infringement on freedom of speech and expression, which are fundamental rights in a democracy. The balance between maintaining public safety and upholding civil liberties is a delicate one. Therefore, these measures must be considered as a last resort in extreme situations. The current situation doesn’t appear to be extreme.
This happens in India on a regular basis.