The essentials
Trial examines Kick platform's accountability for violent livestream content that resulted in a death.
The trial of streamers Naruto and Safine in Nice addresses the role of the Kick platform in broadcasting violence for profit. Jean Pormanove died after a 12-day livestream marathon involving reported violence and humiliation on the 'Le Lokal' channel, which generated substantial revenue from the violent content. The channel was banned by Kick following the death, but investigations revealed continued concerns about platform oversight.
An investigation began after a Mediapart report in late 2024. Naruto and Safine were placed in custody in January 2025 and later released. The case expanded when Naruto's brother restarted a similar streaming format on Twitch in September 2025, prompting the Nice prosecutor to open a new investigation. A parallel Paris investigation now examines Kick's involvement in the livestream operations, raising broader questions about platform accountability for monitoring and preventing violent content.
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Trial Tests Platform Responsibility for User-Generated Violence
The case places Kick's content moderation practices under scrutiny. The platform banned 'Le Lokal' after Pormanove's death, yet investigations into resumed similar activities suggest questions about monitoring enforcement. A Paris investigation examining Kick's involvement indicates authorities view platforms as accountable for the content they host and monetize, establishing potential precedent for platform liability in violent livestreaming cases.
Multi-Jurisdiction Probe Expands Beyond Original Incident
Initial investigations followed a Mediapart report in late 2024 and Naruto and Safine's custody in January 2025. Renewed streaming activities in September 2025 triggered a new Nice investigation, while Paris authorities examine platform operations separately. This expanding scope reflects investigative concern about whether the underlying practices continued despite the initial channel ban and arrests.