Live Broadcast Tragedy: Streamer Jean Pormanove Passes Away; Arcom Reaches Out to European Counterparts for Information on "Kick.com"
In a series of developments, the Audiovisual and Digital Communication Regulatory Authority (Arcom) in France has announced an investigation into the Australian live streaming platform, Kick.com, following the death of Raphaël Graven, also known as "Jean Pormanove" or "JP".
The investigation, which is taking place in Nice, France, is focused on the regulation of online streaming platforms and whether Kick.com failed to comply with the EU Digital Services Act (DSA) and French law. The DSA, a requirement for online platforms, including streaming platforms, to adhere to certain obligations, is at the heart of this inquiry.
The investigation was prompted by an incident earlier in August 2025, when Raphaël Graven died during a live stream on Kick.com. French prosecutors opened an investigation into the platform, with a particular focus on whether it complied with the EU DSA and French law.
At the time of Graven's death and the early stages of the investigation, Arcom attempted to contact Kick's legal representative in Europe but was unsuccessful, indicating no active EU legal representation was in place then. It was only on August 20, 2025, that the European Commission informed Arcom of the appointment of a legal representative for Kick.com in Malta, which is within the EU.
The Arcom has stated that it will use the European framework to intervene with Kick.com if necessary. The investigation involves the Office of Anti-Cybercrime (OFAC) in France, and the authority has contacted OFAC to verify if the streamer had requested the removal of content on Kick.com.
The German counterpart, BNetzA, had previously sent a request to Kick.com in January 2022, asking the platform to designate a legal representative and a point of contact for authorities, as required by the DSA. The investigation also includes coordination with several international counterparts, including the BNetzA.
Kick.com has publicly expressed its commitment to cooperating with French authorities during the investigation. The platform has taken steps such as terminating collaborations with its former French social media agency and reviewing its French-language content.
The investigation into Raphaël Graven's death is ongoing. The timeline of events is significant given EU regulatory requirements for platforms operating in or targeting the EU market. It is worth noting that at the exact time of Raphaël Graven's death and the initial inquiry, Kick.com lacked an established legal representative in the European Union. However, subsequently, one was appointed in Malta as of August 20, 2025.
[1] European Commission communication on the appointment of a legal representative for Kick.com in Malta (August 20, 2025). [2] Kick.com's statement on cooperation with French authorities (August 25, 2025). [3] Arcom's statement on the investigation into Kick.com (August 26, 2025). [4] French prosecutor's office statement on the ongoing investigation into Raphaël Graven's death (August 30, 2025).
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