New Caledonia: Issued ruling denying suspension of order banning TikTok in New Caledonia

On 23 May 2024, the French Council of State upheld the order issued on 15 May 2024 by the Minister of the Interior and Overseas Territories to ban TikTok in New Caledonia. This ban was implemented amid disturbances to public order, prompting the declaration of a state of emergency in the region. The decision to block access to TikTok was influenced by its use in the context of ongoing violence. Associations and individuals requested the lifting of the ban. However, the judge ruled that the applicants did not provide evidence demonstrating that the blockage had immediate and concrete consequences on their situation and interests, which is a "condition of urgency" necessary for the judge to intervene in summary proceedings. Given that all other social networks and media outlets remain accessible, and because the temporary blocking of TikTok aims to restore security in New Caledonia, the judge rejected the applicants' request.