Streamer’s Death Prompts Scrutiny of Kick’s Content Moderation
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Paris, France – A wave of grief and outrage is sweeping through the online streaming community following the death of Jean Pormanove, known online as “JP,” during a live broadcast early Monday morning. Pormanove,46,amassed a substantial following-over half a million across TikTok and Kick-as a video game streamer whose broadcasts frequently featured disturbing acts of humiliation and violence perpetrated by fellow streamers. His death has ignited a debate about the obligation of online platforms to protect their users and the consequences of increasingly lax content moderation policies.
The Rise of Kick and Its Controversial Appeal
Kick, launched in December 2022, has rapidly emerged as a competitor to established streaming giant Twitch. The Australian-based platform distinguishes itself through a more generous revenue-sharing model for streamers and substantially looser moderation standards. In March 2025, Kick reported a record 300 million hours viewed in a single month, accompanied by a 20 percent increase in peak concurrent viewers, now totaling around 5 million daily streams from an estimated 100 million users according to France Inter.
This relaxed approach has attracted streamers previously banned from Twitch for violating its community guidelines. American streamer Adin Ross, sanctioned eight times on Twitch for offenses including homophobic remarks and allowing racist content in his chat, is among those who have found refuge on Kick as detailed by Numerama. On Kick, Ross has reportedly showcased adult websites and hosted interviews with individuals espousing extremist ideologies.
Kick also permits online gambling and casino games,activities prohibited on Twitch since 2022. This is largely due to the platform’s ownership by Stake, a well-known online casino-banned in France-which provides significant financial backing.
Did You Know? Kick’s rapid growth is fueled by its appeal to streamers seeking greater financial freedom and fewer restrictions on content, even if that content pushes ethical boundaries.
A Culture of Humiliation and Violence
Pormanove’s channel,which boasted 160,000 subscribers and regularly attracted over 15,000 live viewers,was notorious for broadcasts featuring acts of humiliation and physical abuse inflicted upon him by fellow streamers Naruto and Safine. A Mediapart examination revealed that channel managers acknowledged they “would not last long on Twitch” due to the nature of their content. Lawyers consulted by Mediapart suggested that some of the content could potentially constitute offenses related to incitement to hatred and public disorder.
The platform briefly banned Pormanove’s channel between December 2 and 9 before reinstating it. This cycle of suspension and reinstatement underscores the complexities of content moderation on Kick.
Key Data: Kick vs. Twitch
| Feature | Kick | Twitch |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | December 2022 | 2011 |
| Monthly View Hours (March 2025) | 300 Million+ | Not publicly available for direct comparison |
| Daily Active Streams | 5 Million | Approximately 8 Million (estimated) |
| content Moderation | Flexible | Strict |
| Revenue Sharing | More Favorable to streamers | Less Favorable to Streamers |
Legal and Political Fallout
The death of Jean Pormanove has prompted swift action from French authorities. clara Chappaz, the Minister Delegate in charge of Digital Affairs, announced on X (formerly Twitter) that she had ”seized the Arcom and made a report on Pharos,” referring to France’s platform for reporting illegal online content, and requested explanations from Kick’s management. Chappaz condemned the events as a “horror” and emphasized the legal responsibility of online platforms to address illicit content.
Sarah El Hairy,France’s Haute-Commissionaire for Children,echoed these concerns,stressing the platforms’ responsibility to protect young viewers from harmful content.
Pro Tip: Parents should actively monitor their children’s online activity and engage in open conversations about the risks associated with live streaming platforms.
The Audiovisual and Digital Communication Regulatory Authority (Arcom) has questioned weather Kick even maintains a legal portrayal within the European Union. Several French lawmakers have voiced outrage over the availability of such content online, raising doubts about Kick’s future in France.
What steps should platforms take to balance freedom of expression with the need to protect users from harm? And how can regulators effectively oversee these rapidly evolving online spaces?
The debate surrounding Kick highlights a broader trend in the digital landscape: the tension between platform responsibility, content moderation, and user freedom. As streaming platforms continue to proliferate, the challenge of regulating harmful content will only intensify. The case of Jean Pormanove serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of unchecked online abuse and the urgent need for effective safeguards.
Frequently Asked questions About Kick
- What is Kick? Kick is a live streaming platform that competes with Twitch, known for its more relaxed content moderation policies.
- Why is Kick controversial? Kick has faced criticism for hosting content that would be prohibited on other platforms, including violent acts and extremist viewpoints.
- Who owns Kick? Kick is owned by Stake, an online casino company.
- Is kick legal in France? While Kick operates in france, its association with Stake, which is prohibited in France, raises legal questions.
- What is being done about the content on Kick? French authorities are investigating the platform and demanding explanations from its management following the death of streamer Jean Pormanove.
Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and awareness purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice.
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