Investigation into Cyberbullying Accusations Against X (ex-Twitter)
A Parisian investigating judge has been probing accusations against the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) for complicity in aggravated moral harassment. This investigation follows a complaint filed by Magali Berdah, a prominent influencer known as the 'pope of influencers.' The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed that the investigation has been ongoing since July 2023.
Berdah is embroiled in a conflict with rapper Booba, who has been under investigation since October 2023 for cyberbullying her. She claims that X has allowed Booba to continue using its services, thereby facilitating the harassment she has faced. According to sources close to the case, Berdah's legal team argues that the platform's actions amount to
thus enabling the harassment to persist.
Legal Implications for Social Media Platforms
This case raises significant questions about the accountability of social media platforms in cases of online harassment. Berdah's initial complaint was filed in April 2023 but was dismissed due to insufficient evidence. However, after pursuing civil action, she succeeded in having the case referred to an investigating magistrate in November 2023.
The legal proceedings could potentially establish a precedent regarding the “platform criminal liability” of social networks in France. Berdah's lawyers emphasize the need for the courts to evaluate X's role in the harassment she endured. The timeline of the complaint spans before and after Elon Musk's acquisition of the platform, during which critics have highlighted a decline in moderation efforts. Reports indicate that Musk has dismissed around 1,200 content moderators, leading to increased accusations of the platform's failure to combat online hate effectively.
