"Facebook" and "Twitter" Banned from La Media

According to latest reports the country of France has banned the mention of the words “Twitter” and “Facebook” on radio and television.

The Huffington Post states the new ruling actually dates back to bylaw from 1992, which suggests that using the name of specific social networking sites actually gives preference and free advertising to the sites named.

Apparently, this isn’t first the time the French have attempted to prevent the integration of English words into their vocabulary.

Inevitably, it will be difficult to avoid the use of these words given the important presence they possess in everyday lives all over the world. Especially, the lives of those who work in media. Social networking websites are very relevant to the media thus French reporters will surely need to be creative when replacing these iconic names in news stories.

In fact there’s bound to be a slip-up or two, which leaves us to wonder what the implications will be should someone have a quick slip of the tongue? Not shockingly, there is an exception it states that the words are applicable if it applies to an older story.

In a statement by Conseil Supérieur de l’Audiovisuel (CSA), he argues that the French government is merely upholding the law:

“Why give preference to Facebook, which is worth billions of dollars, when there are many other social networks that are struggling for recognition? This would be a distortion of competition. If we allow Facebook and Twitter to be cited on air, it’s opening a Pandora’s Box — other social networks will complain to us saying, ‘why not us?’”

While, there is somewhat of an admirable quality about this sudden concern for specific promotion of certain social networking sites, it is unrealistic and perhaps even harsh to expect their expulsion from large media hubs.

According to The Journal, experts have claimed the decision is, “artificial and doesn’t reflect reality”.

The assumption is that this may be an issue of language rather than site promotion. However, it may be a question of both. It’s odd that this ban is to be taken seriously, but when it comes to self-preservation – no one does it better than France.

If Canada decided to make a similar law, what would you think? What do you think the French are most concerned about- preferential promotion or the use of English words on a consistent basis?