Australia’s eSafety watchdog has taken aim at the live-streaming platform Kick, citing its failure to enforce guidelines designed to protect users from harmful content. This criticism follows a tragic incident where a live-stream featuring **Raphael Graven**, known online as **Jean Pormanove**, ended with his death on August 18, 2024. Graven’s death occurred during a marathon stream that lasted for over 280 hours, prompting serious concerns about the platform’s content moderation practices.
Kick, co-founded by **Edward Craven**, has rapidly emerged as the second-largest live-streaming service globally, particularly known for content involving gambling and extreme stunts. As Kick has gained traction, it has drawn users from competitors like Twitch, which has implemented stricter regulations on similar content. In light of the recent events, Kick is now facing the possibility of enforcement actions that could lead to fines reaching **$49.5 million**.
The Australian eSafety Commissioner emphasized the need for online platforms like Kick to take their content guidelines seriously. “This is a tragic case where someone has lost their life, and underscores how the creation of more extreme content can have devastating, real-world consequences,” a spokesperson stated. The office highlighted that Kick must improve its mechanisms to safeguard users from illegal or harmful material, including content that depicts violence or suffering without justification.
Kick’s own guidelines prohibit content showcasing abhorrent violence. The eSafety Commissioner’s office noted that the platform must do more to enforce its terms of use, particularly in light of the recent incident. The spokesperson added, “eSafety will use the full range of our enforcement powers as appropriate where there is non-compliance.”
The incident involving Graven has drawn significant attention not just in Australia but also in France, where he was a prominent figure. Graven had been participating in a series of extreme challenges that reportedly included acts of humiliation and physical risk, raising alarms about the potential dangers of such content. French digital technology minister **Clara Chappaz** remarked that Graven appeared to have undergone months of horrific treatment, leading to a judicial investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Despite Kick’s swift action to ban the co-streamers involved in the incident, questions remain about how the platform allowed such content to persist. A spokesperson for Kick expressed condolences to Graven’s family, stating, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jean Pormanove and extend our condolences to his family, friends, and community. We are urgently reviewing the circumstances and engaging with relevant stakeholders to investigate the situation.”
Graven’s death has ignited outrage in France, with media outlets emphasizing clips from the live-stream that suggest he may not have been a willing participant in the challenges. Reports indicate that French police were already investigating Graven’s associates for potential violence against vulnerable individuals, a situation that has now escalated following the recent tragedy.
As new regulations aimed at restricting minors’ access to inappropriate content are set to take effect in December, Kick may face additional scrutiny to ensure compliance with these laws. The eSafety Commissioner has indicated that restrictions could be placed on users under the age of 16, further emphasizing the need for platforms to uphold user safety.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of extreme live-streaming content. While Kick has gained popularity for its innovative approach to live content, the tragic outcome of Graven’s stream raises critical questions about the responsibility of online platforms in moderating harmful behavior and protecting their users.
