France Investigates Bounty.chat for Alleged Child Exploitation

French authorities are investigating an anonymous online platform, Bounty.chat, suspected of distributing child pornography. This inquiry follows the closure of a similar site, Coco, which was shut down in June 2024. The French broadcasting regulator, known as Arcom, has been alerted to this matter by the country’s high commissioner for childhood, Sarah El Hairy.

In a statement, Arcom confirmed it is currently in communication with the Anti-Cybercrime Office (OFAC) regarding the investigation into Bounty.chat. The regulator has requested an explanation from the platform and is reviewing its response. According to Arcom, the website may be contributing to the dissemination of harmful content aimed at minors, particularly involving paedophile material and acts related to the online solicitation of minors.

Bounty.chat describes itself as an “alternative” to Coco and claims that moderation and security are priorities for the platform. It asserts compliance with French law while acknowledging that it has drawn inspiration from Coco, incorporating new features such as themed chat rooms that facilitate user connections with nearby individuals.

The inquiries into Bounty.chat come in the wake of serious allegations surrounding Coco, which was used for numerous sexual crimes, including paedophilia and rape. The platform allegedly enabled the notorious sex offender Dominique Pelicot to recruit individuals to sexually assault his heavily sedated wife over a span of nine years, from 2011 to 2020. The founder of Coco, Isaac Steidl, was indicted in January 2023 and is currently under judicial supervision.

As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and protection of children in the online environment. Authorities are taking the potential risks associated with platforms like Bounty.chat seriously, emphasizing the need for vigilance in monitoring digital spaces that could be exploited for illegal activities.

The ongoing scrutiny of Bounty.chat highlights broader concerns regarding online platforms and their responsibilities to prevent the dissemination of harmful content. With increasing attention from government and regulatory bodies, the future of such websites hangs in the balance as authorities work to safeguard minors from exploitation.