• French prosecutors have initiated an investigation into Kick after a streamer's death.
• The platform is accused of failing to block dangerous content during livestreams.
• France plans to sue Kick for negligence under existing digital service laws.

French prosecutors have opened an investigation into the Australian streaming platform Kick following the death of content creator Raphaël Graven, known online as Jean Pormanove, during a livestream. He died on August 18 while engaging in a 12-day live-streaming marathon that involved enduring acts of abuse and humiliation, raising questions about the platform's practices, according to BBC.

Digital Affairs Minister Clara Chappaz announced the government's intent to sue Kick for "negligence," claiming the platform did not take adequate measures to prevent dangerous content from being broadcast. This includes potential violations of a 2004 law regulating online content, as well as the European Union's Digital Services Act, which mandates platforms report any risks to life or personal safety, according to Le Monde and Reuters.

The investigation will not only assess whether Kick knowingly broadcasted unlawful content but also if the company complied with newer regulations that impose criminal penalties for illicit online platforms. An autopsy revealed that Graven did not die from trauma but likely from medical or toxicological causes, highlighting the issues of safety during livestreams on such platforms, according to Le Monde and Reuters.