France probes online platform as authorities investigate Bounty.chat for suspected paedophile content. The anonymous site relaunched the format of Coco, a notorious chat platform closed in 2024. The French regulator Arcom began examining the platform’s safety measures and moderation.
Firstly, the high commissioner for childhood, Sarah El Haïry, alerted authorities about Bounty.chat’s resemblance to Coco. She asked Arcom to contact the platform for clarifications. Arcom then opened its inquiry into whether Bounty.chat enables harmful or explicit content involving minors.
Arcom sent a formal letter to Bounty.chat. The regulator stated the platform “may be contributing to the dissemination of content harmful to minors, particularly paedophile content”. Officials requested details on content moderation, user protections, and age verification procedures.
Furthermore, the Anti-Cybercrime Office joined the probe. Law enforcement began working with Arcom to decide next steps. Paris remains firm that platforms cannot evade responsibility for illegal content targeting children.
Bounty.chat responded by stressing that “moderation and security are a priority” and that it fully complies with French law. The platform acknowledged inspiration from Coco, yet rejected wrongdoing. The site claims to have updated features and safeguards that Coco lacked.
Meanwhile, authorities have highlighted the urgency of the probe. Coco had previously facilitated serious crimes, including child exploitation and sexual violence coordinated online. The operator of Coco, Isaac Steidl, now faces multiple charges, and France remains vigilant for copycat platforms.
Additionally, the public reaction has been strong. Citizens and advocacy groups demand swift action to protect children. NGOs argue that digital platforms must implement robust protections without delay. Authorities say ongoing legal reforms empower them to hold tech operators accountable.
Finally, this case underscores France’s commitment to shield minors from online harm. The country continues to strengthen regulations on age verification and content control. The arming of Arcom and cybercrime agencies shows resolve to prevent the emergence of unsafe digital spaces.
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