Star Metro - France probes online platform for possible 'paedophile content'

Bounty.chat describes itself as an "alternative" to the notorious French-language online chat platform Coco which was shut down in June 2024.

France's broadcasting regulator, Arcom, was called in on Wednesday by the country's high commissioner for childhood, Sarah El Hairy, over the successor website.

Arcom has requested an explanation from Bounty.chat and is now studying its response, a representative told AFP.

The regulator is also in contact with France's Anti-Cybercrime Office (OFAC) to decide on the next course of action, the representative said.

The platform "could be contributing to the dissemination of content harmful to minors, particularly paedophile content, as well as acts relating to the solicitation of minors online," Arcom said in a letter to Bounty.chat, a copy of which was seen by AFP.

Bounty.chat states that "moderation and security are a priority" for the platform and insists that it complies with French law. The platform says it has been "heavily" inspired by Coco but has also added new features.

Like its predecessor, the anonymous website boasts themed chat rooms and helps users discover people nearby.

Isaac Steidl, the founder and manager of the Coco website, was indicted last January and placed under judicial supervision.

French authorities say the Coco website was used to commit numerous sex crimes such as paedophilia and rape as well as murder.

They also said it had enabled notorious sex criminal Dominique Pelicot to recruit dozens of strangers to rape his heavily-sedated wife between 2011 to 2020.

G.Boudreau--SMC