Credits: Lear 21 / Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA 4.0.
On August 18, 2025, content creator and influencer Anyme (aka Anyme023), 22, announced on Instagram that he was putting his social media career on hold. Beyond the news about one of the most followed streamers, this break raises questions about how platforms oversee creators’ work in France and the EU: mental health, moderation load, transparency around partnerships, and enforcement of the rules (DSA, SREN) under the oversight of ARCOM.
The Facts
On August 18, 2025, Anyme (aka Anyme023), whose real name is Maxence Turlot (22), announced on Instagram that he was putting his career “on hold on social media.” The post does not specify how long or why. He has several million followers across TikTok, Twitch, YouTube, and Instagram. During the first half of 2025, he was among the most-watched French-speaking streamers on Twitch, with peaks of more than 100,000 live viewers according to public data from his streams. The announcement comes as he was expected to take part in GP Explorer in early October 2025.
This information is of general interest, as it raises questions about creator well-being. It also questions platform moderation. In addition, it addresses the transparency of sponsored content. Finally, it examines the legal framework in France and the European Union.
Intensive Production And Constant Exposure
Streaming platforms like Twitch and short-form video services like TikTok rely on engagement algorithms. These algorithms reward posting frequency and duration. This model encourages an intense pace of creation, especially live, where audiences interact in real time. Several social science studies describe forms of burnout linked to audience pressure. In addition, algorithmic uncertainty and visibility-dependent monetization also contribute to this burnout. Creators also take on a moderation load that includes managing chat and filtering comments. Often, they are supported in this task by tools and volunteer teams.
Among young audiences, who are very present on these services, parasocial bonds reinforce expectations that the creator will be almost permanently available. A major figure taking a break therefore acts as a reminder of the fragile balance between the model’s appeal and its human costs.
FR-EU Framework: DSA, ARCOM, And SREN
The Digital Services Act (DSA) imposes obligations on online platforms for transparency, reporting, and removal of illegal content, as well as accessible appeal procedures. Services exceeding 45 million monthly users in the EU are classified as very large online platforms (VLOPs) and are subject to independent audits and systemic risk assessments (disinformation, threats to minor protection, potential impacts on mental health).
In France, the SREN law (May 21, 2024) designates ARCOM as the digital services coordinator for enforcing the DSA, alongside notably the CNIL (personal data) and the DGCCRF (commercial practices). Users may refer cases to ARCOM in the event of an alleged violation. Twitch is not classified as a VLOP at the European level; it falls under the standard DSA regime, which nevertheless provides for transparency reports, notification mechanisms, and reasoned decisions in moderation cases.
Key points:
- Reporting and notice-and-action: the ability to report clearly illegal content and the right to be informed of the decision.
- Transparency: regular publication of figures (moderation, appeals) and information about the applicable rules.
- Appeals: internal remedies, certified mediation, and, as a last resort, the courts.
Moderation: Responsibilities And Limits
On its Safety Center, Twitch describes policies against harassment and hate conduct, automoderation systems, and a tiered set of sanctions. In practice, the burden also falls on creators: stream setup, chat oversight, managing raids. Lawyers note that platforms are subject to an enhanced duty of means: act promptly after notice, document the measures taken, notify the affected user. Media sociologists highlight the value of shared moderation. This involves a dedicated team, public rules, and alert tools. In addition, they stress the need for minimal training for creators on these issues.
Sponsorship And Transparency: The Law On Commercial Influence
Since the June 9, 2023 law regulating commercial influence, any content promoting a product must include a clear label. This can be “Advertising” or “Commercial Partnership,” and it must be accompanied by a contract. This requirement was supplemented by the order of November 6, 2024. Some practices are prohibited (e.g., promotion of cosmetic surgery), while others are strictly regulated (financial products, gambling). The DGCCRF can penalize violations, and brands are jointly responsible. For young audiences, the clarity of disclosures is a matter of trust and media literacy.
Charity Events: Civic Role And Safeguards
Charity marathons such as ZEvent have shown the streaming ecosystem’s ability to mobilize donations and mass audiences. These formats help build communities and raise awareness of nonprofits. However, they cannot replace regulation, because organizers and platforms remain bound by general law. This includes the fight against harassment, respect for dignity, and moderation obligations. Internal charters and partnerships with specialized NGOs can usefully complement the legal framework.
Civic Effects: Information, Escalation Of Exchanges, Youth
Information Live streaming can serve as a supplementary medium for explanations, culture, and popularization. Live streaming offers advantages such as interactivity. However, it also has limits, such as real-time fact-checking and errors in the moment. The traceability of sponsored content and the spelling out of moderation rules contribute to the quality of information.
Escalation of exchanges. Direct addressing and the dynamics of the chat foster like-minded communities. Research on parasocial interactions shows they can strengthen attachment, but also harden divisions when disagreement is limited. The DSA aims to prevent these systemic risks through assessment and mitigation measures.
Teen and young adult audiences benefit from spaces for socialization and mutual support. However, they remain exposed to cyberbullying, sleep problems, or excessive use. The SREN-DSA pairing provides safeguards; their effectiveness depends on media education policies involving schools, families, and local authorities.
Public Policy Options
- Prevent burnout: encourage sustainable rhythms (public schedules, breaks), promote co-moderation, and provide professional listening/support units for creators.
- Access to remedies: make the ARCOM portal operational for notifications and DSA appeals, with standardized information and clear deadlines.
- Advertising transparency: generalize integrated labeling of “commercial partnership” in live interfaces and open searchable archives of sponsored content.
- Openness to researchers: facilitate secure access to anonymized data (chats, moderation metrics) to assess the effects of these systems.
- Media literacy: include modules on parasocial bonds, live advertising, and moderation in media and information literacy pathways.
- Support for charity events: condition sponsorships on anti-harassment charters, team training, and minimal public reporting.
Stakes And Next Steps
Anyme’s break comes in a context where online creation carries weight in the public sphere. It raises a simple question: do platforms and public authorities have appropriate tools to protect users? That includes creators and audiences. In addition, these tools must do so without hindering innovation. The answer lies in the application of the rules (DSA, SREN, “influencer” law) and in cooperation between platforms, authorities, and communities.
For the record:
- DSA: obligations of transparency, risk assessment, and appeals.
- ARCOM: coordinator for DSA enforcement in France.
- SREN: law no. 2024-449 of May 21, 2024.
- “Influencer” law: June 9, 2023, supplemented on November 6, 2024.
- Twitch: public moderation rules and transparency reports.
- ZEvent: notable charitable role, complementary to the law.