French Inquiry Launched After Live Suicide Broadcast On Periscope (bbc.com) 108
An anonymous reader writes: French authorities have launched an investigation after a young woman recorded her suicide which streamed live to over 1,000 connected followers on the online video app Periscope. Prosecutors in Egly, Essone, a suburb 15 miles south of Paris, confirmed they had opened the inquiry following the incident which saw the 19-year-old throw herself under a commuter train at a railway station on Tuesday.BBC reports: Previously, she had filmed herself in her flat discussing how she intended to make a video to "send a message", warning younger viewers not to continue to watch what would be a "shocking" act, it was reported. During the filming, the young woman claimed to have been raped and named her attacker, according to the reports. It is not the first time that Periscope has been linked to inappropriate content.
Re:She warned them ahead of time... (Score:5, Insightful)
This is the 21st century's equivalent of watching an execution, slowing down and creating a traffic jam to catch a glimpse of an accident on the freeway, or gawking at someone about to jump off the roof of a building. Nothing new here: human beings are disgusting voyeurs, irresistibly attracted to other people's misery, be it in online or on a sidewalk.
Understand why they dont like this.. (Score:5, Insightful)
I think the main problem here is that the powers that be, after spending a long long time growing fat and happy with the general addiction
of the masses to mass media entertainment, are starting to get nervous about a slow transformation of that into consumer driven content
and peoples acceptance of the messages there contained, which are not carefully filtered and cleaned by the powers that be.
There is risk here, you see, of alternative points of view.
The focus in this case should of course not be the streaming of this sad event, or finger pointing around that. It should be that a person
was left in the situation where they could not reach out to other people for help, but instead did this. Now that is not something that can
be easily changed - and rules, regulations, etc will not achieve it - there are always a few people that slip through cracks and end up in
such a bad place internally that they will do something this bad - however we are not supposed to accept that. We are supposed to believe that
if we follow the rules, and if we accept being controlled, monitored, then we will be SAFE from such things.
Events like this remind us that that is simply not true. No matter how much control we give up, no matter how many rules we accept, and
no matter how closely we are watched 'for our own good', bad things will and do happen. People make mistakes and are fallible.
Hence, they do NOT want such things to be made public.
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Mod parent up - who gives a fuck if it was streamed or who watched it? Who in the hell knew this woman and *let it happen*?
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On that matter does anyone have a write up on the events that led to this? It sounds as if there were more than a few missteps along the way. Also I don't feel periscope as a service has much of any responsibility for it.
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It should be that a person
was left in the situation where they could not reach out to other people for help, but instead did this.
You have a thousand people who follow you live and nobody to reach out to? Seriously? If you can kill yourself you can't say "guys, here is something fucked up and I don't know how to handle it, if anyone knows, post me a comment, please" ?
Now, I accept that people in crisis do not (can not) act rationally, but it does make me question the purpose of the whole attention whoring thing that people do with the Internet, if it doesn't give you anything when you need other people most.
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.. bad things will and do happen. People make mistakes ...
I detect a bias towards condemning the person's actions. If the suicide was someone's decision who are we to say it's a "mistake"? Admittedly streaming it on Periscope may be considered in poor taste by others, but hey, it's Periscope, you have been warned.
Re:Understand why they dont like this.. (Score:5, Interesting)
We are supposed to believe that if we follow the rules, and if we accept being controlled, monitored, then we will be SAFE from such things.
This sentence embodies the pathetic nature of the progressive left.
I consider myself both "progressive" and "left" and this is not at all what I believe, nor is it anything even remotely close to what I believe.
Maybe you should stop painting with such a broad brush, because neither I nor any of the left-leaning people I know would agree with this bullshit statement.
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Leftists are the worst at wanting to control others, because they are convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are sincerely doing it for the victim's own benefit.
I'd like some of whatever medication you're taking, but in a smaller dose.
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You don't believe that suicide is wrong and should be illegal? You don't believe there should have been some sort of support system in place for this woman to get help?
I don't believe that suicide is wrong, depending on your definition of "wrong", and I don't think it should be illegal. I know hundreds, if not thousands of liberals and conservatives and none of them that I'm aware of think that suicide should be illegal.
Should there have been some sort of resources available for this woman to get help if she wanted it? Sure, I see nothing wrong with making something like that available to those who want it (and there are in fact probably some already existing resources sh
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Well you replied yes to the second question and thus are likely a progressive leftist, so that fits neatly into both of our points.
Yeah, well, basically the problem here is that lots of people don't fit neatly into whatever you imagine a "progressive leftist" is, so you're left to try and contort the meaning to match however you currently define it.
It ain't that simple.
You seem to have conveniently overlooked the fact that I answered "no" to your first question. OMG does that mean I'm not a "progressive leftist" after all?
Finally, thinking that there ought to be some sort of support services for mentally ill or distraught people does n
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Not to further the argument, but you labeled yourself "progressive left" and thus generalized your own ideologies. I only asked those que
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Not to further the argument, but you labeled yourself "progressive left" and thus generalized your own ideologies. I only asked those questions to clarify your stance, for my benefit.
That's why I said it's not that simple. Some people I know (most) would consider me "left", while some others (not many) would label me as borderline conservative. It all depends on how well they think I line up with their definitions and ideology and what topic is under discussion.
One man's liberal is another man's socialist, and a third man's conservative. It's often relative depending on where the definer is on that spectrum. Hell, I've been labeled a "fascist" by more than a few people in my life becaus
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Whether suicide is wrong or not should have little to do with whether it's illegal.
Re: Understand why they dont like this.. (Score:2)
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I'm a conservative (what ever that means in Australia) and I thought the same thing, none of my leftest friends think like that at all.
I hear you. I know lots of people across the social and political spectrum and no one, literally no one I've ever spoken with about this thinks that suicide should be illegal. I'd like to find one so I could ask them, "Why? Why should suicide be illegal? And what should the penalty be?"
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The penalty should be resurrection and being made immortal!
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The penalty should be resurrection and being made immortal!
That's sick and devious. I like the way you think.
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Why? Why should suicide be illegal?
In the past, when I have asked this question, the answer has been that suicide is illegal because attempting suicide and failing gives authorities the ability to intervene and provide a person with mental health care. I understand that most people who fail at suicide wind up being glad they failed, so perhaps this intervention is appropriate. I'm not entirely convinced, but I'm willing to entertain the notion.
I certainly believe that people should have the right to end their own lives, for whatever reason
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> human beings are disgusting voyeurs, irresistibly attracted to other people's misery, be it in online or on a sidewalk
People aren't fascinated by car crashes and televised suicides because they're "attracted to misery," otherwise the homeless people on that sidewalk would get a lot more attention instead of being avoided and ignored. The behaviors people are fascinated by are those that are markedly out of the ordinary. Most people aren't viscerally interested in routine mental illness, but when illne
Re:She warned them ahead of time... (Score:5, Insightful)
Who is the "THEY" you are referring to here? It's not like there is a periscope producer with her hand over the cutoff button, waiting to decide if the content is no appropriate for broadcast... oh and also, does France have regulatory control over internet streaming? In the US, we've got the FCC, but they don't deal with decency on the net... only on TV, and even they couldn't stop Janet Jackson from showing off some nipple. There is no "THEY" to actively make a decision to continue broadcasting, and there never will be. It's the internet.
They have control over filming at railway station (Score:1)
They have control over filming at railway station.
In usa after 9/11 think they added laws say that we can control / ban filming at any public transportation location
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Yes, that will definitely make someone decide NOT to publicly broadcast their own suicide.
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Laws don't embue "them" with omniscience or absolute control over events. "They" clearly don't have "control" over filming at railway stations.
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I modded you down with "Troll".
But only because "Idiot" isn't an option.
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In usa after 9/11 think they added laws say that we can control / ban filming at any public transportation location
They haven't. For instance, from the TSA's own FAQ [tsa.gov]:
Can I film and take photos at a security checkpoint?
TSA does not prohibit photographing, videotaping or filming at security checkpoints, as long as the screening process is not interfered with or sensitive information is not revealed. [...]
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Sure. IF a guard on duty spots it. Out of the millions of people daily passing through a railway network in a major city. Not to mention, someone selfie videoing with their phone is both incredibly common behavior and not really want the filming ban means. The guards would probably stop someone who showed up with professional movie cameras, a lighting and sound crew, the whole 9 yards...again, IF they saw it. Some of these stations may not have any guards on duty.
The real "fix" is to eliminate these op
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Who is the "THEY" you are referring to here? It's not like there is a periscope producer with her hand over the cutoff button, waiting to decide if the content is no appropriate for broadcast.
I don't know about Periscope, but I know Twitch goes out of their way to flag people who have 'inappropriate' content.
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but OP said "but they still decided to continue broadcasting" suggesting that someone is actively watching the stream and deciding whether a stream should continue or not... the reality is that people who get flagged do so after the fact, and only after repeated complaints.
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someone does something dumb.... (Score:2)
Re:someone does something dumb.... (Score:5, Funny)
They should rename the service Perish-scope, so viewers know what to expect.
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She accuses and names somebody to have raped her during her video, hence a good reason for an investigation.
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If there are logs of people cheering her on, that may be of interest, too. Even if not illegal, they could be called out publicly and shamed.
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And what would be your solution to online bullying? Blaming the victim?
Very sad that she did not get required level of support.
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That's a funny definition of no purpose.
People who cheered her on (if any) would be very embarrassed to be called out on it. See also people on a ledge and people yelling "jump!" But put a camera on them yelling this and they shut up.
At very least the ad revenue should go to the gov (Score:1)
At very least the ad revenue should go to the government to cover there costs from this.
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So the government has no part in cleaning up the mess, repairing their train, investigating the rape accusation? You have some off definitions, I am sure the government should just stay out of these things though...
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Pre-clearance? Censor delay? (Score:2)
Unless Periscope knew what the content was, as it unfolded, they couldn't know they were broadcasting a suicide. So they would not be in a position to stop it.
I suppose it will unfold in the "investigation," but someone would have to watching her channel and then warn "the higher ups" at Periscope in time for them to cut it off. And frankly I can believe there are a lot more voyeurs who would just let it happen and not say a thing, even if they knew who to call/write/tweet
Did anyone try to stop it? (Score:1)
And frankly I can believe there are a lot more voyeurs who would just let it happen and not say a thing, even if they knew who to call/write/tweet
Why didn't one of those "over 1000 followers" call the police to try to stop it? Maybe they couldn't have been in time(?) but why the Hell didn't someone try. Have we become the don't give a shit society?
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Because she didn't tell them she was going to kill herself before she jumped in front of the train?
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Why didn't one of those "over 1000 followers" call the police to try to stop it? Maybe they couldn't have been in time(?) but why the Hell didn't someone try. Have we become the don't give a shit society?
Who are we to tell someone else what they can/can't do with their lives? If she wanted to kill herself, that's her decision to make. Why should the onus be on the rest of society to 'protect' her from herself? I know it's not the feel-good moral crusader answer to this situation, but it's really none of our fucking business. Life can be hard and tragic, but worry about living yours and let others worry about living theirs.
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You do know that every single attempted suicide survivor regrets his/her decision?
Or, if you do not like the human angle, pick one:
a) Yes, society invested in this person, and you want the highest return on investment.
b) Do not kill yourself by causing a shitload of damage to society. The train conductor now has been traumatized. And the train is delayed. Both causing economic damage to society.
No, you are not free to do whatever the fuck you want. Because a lot of things you do influence other people as we
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You do know that every single attempted suicide survivor regrets his/her decision?
Or, if you do not like the human angle, pick one: a) Yes, society invested in this person, and you want the highest return on investment. b) Do not kill yourself by causing a shitload of damage to society. The train conductor now has been traumatized. And the train is delayed. Both causing economic damage to society.
No, you are not free to do whatever the fuck you want. Because a lot of things you do influence other people as well. You litter? That means someone needs to clean that up, and we all need to pay for that someone. And thus, you should not litter.
Really? So you've spoken with every single suicide "survivor"? Even those who went on to do it again, and eventually succeed? How about those who are terminally ill, in intense pain with no hope of recovery. Do you think those suicide "victims" would regret their decisions to try to end their lives, if they failed in their attempt? I agree that those who kill themselves in the heat of the moment, over some lost love or other repairable condition, are selfish and it's bullshit. But there are some people for
Re:Did anyone try to stop it? (Score:5, Informative)
Why didn't one of those "over 1000 followers" call the police to try to stop it?
Who knows. Maybe they did, and no one could get there in time. I came across and tuned into the drunk driving chick [usatoday.com] while she was doing her thing, and several people did contact the police, eventually guiding them to her based on streets and landmarks. I also watched while a suicidal guy in Texas drove around threatening to shoot up Wal-Marts and several viewers were keeping the county sheriff updated as to his whereabouts. They sent a chopper up to find him eventually, at least an hour into his escapade, then he holed up inside his truck occasionally speaking to officers while threatening suicide; I had to give up listening to the scanner and go to sleep before I learned the outcome of that one.
In both of these cases, even with people calling police, it took awhile to get authorities to the correct place because the vast majority of the people watching didn't live anywhere nearby, weren't familiar with the area, weren't necessarily sure how to contact law enforcement there (or where "there" even was), etc. If you tune into a live stream and you see a lady standing in front of some train tracks, what exactly are you going to do? It's not like her GPS coordinates are embedded in the video stream.
How exactly is that connection made? (Score:3)
...Periscope has been linked to inappropriate content
Exactly how is this software/company "linked" to inappropriate content in this case? Did someone from the company bully the young woman? Did someone from the company slip something into her coffee? I'm not certain how one logically links the actions of a third party to the platform they use to disseminate a message or actions.
Likewise, I'm going to avoid the "inappropriate" portion. Because that's even more silly. There's good reason we have safe harbor laws when it comes to this sort of thing. It's not Periscope's fault someone used their software to do this. It's not like they can control anyone's actions.
Poppycock! It's all poppycock!
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They are linked in much the same way tumblr, imgur etc. are linked to inappropriate content. Slashdot too.
So what? Want to forbid all live streaming? (Score:3)
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Heh... I don't know what to say but I'm compelled to say something. I'm actually sitting here pondering the words to write, for another email, as I'm a huge fan of PAS (physician assisted suicide) and the right to end one's life with dignity.
My email is likely not to be completed but involves my not returning and running for State Senate - as I've hinted in the past. Reason is, it has come to pass, that I've a sibling who is going to simply stop using her TPN and enter hospice care. It's not easy to cope wi
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Heh... I don't know what to say but I'm compelled to say something. I'm actually sitting here pondering the words to write, for another email, as I'm a huge fan of PAS (physician assisted suicide)
Well, don't choose to go too soon.
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Nah, not me. If I did want to go then I'd like to have some dignity involved with it. I figure if I ever wanted to go then I'm a sucker for a giant shot of opiates. That's a pretty comfortable way to go, from what I've read. Nodding out in a warm fuzzy blanket? Yeah, that's better than lots of other ways.
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I am sorry to hear that. I hope she passes quickly and without too much trauma to those involved.
It is my firm belief that the first right we have, as a living being, is the right to end our own life. As a follow on I also believe we have the right to give others the (time limited) right to end our life - they are of course under no obligation to oblige our whims or wishes in this though - with no legal repercussions or consequences.
I know a lot of people feel very uncomfortable even thinking about such thi
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If (Futurama-style) suicide booths were available, railway commuters would not need to suffer from delays
No, people who want to take their life can do so quietly if they want to. The narcissistic ones are making a statement about how much pain they are in, and the drama and/or nuisance is part of that.
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Inappropriate suicide? (Score:3)
But a suicide streamed online... 'inappropriate content'... outrage! outrage! ban this sick filth!
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Exactly. I am quite surprised that this news piece was published. I thought that journalists have an unofficial standard to not report on suicide stories in order to prevent copycat suicides.
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I don't dont know what article you read but everything ive found has been sparse on information. I don't have any idea her reasoning behind it failed justice is implied but not enough information was given to reach that conclusion.
Spotlighted? They are just after a story but maybe if there had been some coverage of whatever happend before all this this wouldn't have happened?
Inappropriate sure but without realtime monitoring and a significant added delay only so much can be done and its not cost effective.
W
Damn, I missed it! (Score:2)
IT's a brave new world (Score:2)
law, respect for others ... (Score:1)
"prosecutors ... confirmed they had opened the inquiry"
Who will they prosecute? What will the charges be? Who will pay for the waste of resources?
From TFA: "the young woman claimed to have been raped and named her attacker, according to the reports." Had she reported that to the prosecutors? Perhaps they will investigate themselves if they didn't act on that information.
I've heard that suicide is illegal in some places but I've never understood how it would be penalized. I think that there should be some op
Re: law, respect for others ... (Score:2)
I've heard that suicide is illegal in some places but I've never understood how it would be penalized.
It's not difficult. If the cops get a tip that you're going to murder Mr. X at 5:00 when he leaves his office, they can show up to his office at 4:45 and arrest you when you show up with a gun. Right?
With law enforcement intervention in suicide, it's the same thing, except you are Mr. X.
As far as the "penalty" for attempted suicide, the idea is that they get you into a mental hospital so you can get treatment for your suicidal tendencies. They can't commit you to a mental hospital involuntarily unless yo
Inappropritate content... (Score:3)
Well it's not the first time Humans have been linked to inappropriate content.
Fuck off, Government. (Score:1)