High Commissioner for Children takes legal action against the Bounty forum, replacing the controversial site Coco.
In the digital landscape, a new platform named Bounty has caused controversy due to its open sexual themes and lack of age verification. The site, which was established in August 2024, presents itself as an "adult chat without registration."
Bounty's connection to the now-defunct platform Coco.gg is noteworthy, as it positions itself as the successor to the unmoderated discussion forum, which was infamously described as a "veritable hub of horror" by the former Minister in charge of Families.
The High Commissioner for Childhood, Sarah El Haïry, has referred the matter of the site Bounty to the Arcom (French Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Posts) due to concerns that it could contribute to the dissemination of harmful content to minors, including pedocriminal and solicitation of minors online.
Reports suggest that some users on Bounty make sexual propositions to users who present themselves as minors. This alarming behaviour has led to calls for tighter digital regulation, particularly following the tragic death of French streamer Jean Pormanove.
Sarah El Haïry, in an interview with Le Parisien, assured that they will "hunt down pedophiles to the end." The Arcom, in response, has approached e-Enfance and is in contact with the Ofac (French Audiovisual Council) to examine the follow-up on Bounty.
Bounty defends itself by stating it responds to all judicial requisitions and makes systematic reports to Pharos when necessary. However, it plans to implement an age control mechanism similar to that of main pornographic sites in France.
The founder of Coco.gg, Isaac Steidl, was charged in January for eight offenses including complicity in drug trafficking and aggravated money laundering. The site Coco.gg was also used by Dominique Pelicot to contact the rapists of his wife Gisele Pelicot.
Clara Chappaz, the Minister of State for Digital Transition and Administrative Reform, has convened administrations and services in charge of digital regulation to work on problematic platforms. The issue with Bounty was addressed by Sarah El Haïry on August 29, 2024, at the Ministry of National Education.
The controversy surrounding Bounty underscores the need for stricter online regulations and age verification mechanisms to protect minors from harmful content and potentially predatory behaviour. The Arcom's ongoing investigation into Bounty is a step towards ensuring a safer digital environment for all users.
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