France is moving to make people involved in violent protests pay for the damage they cause. A proposed law would allow authorities to recover compensation from welfare payments, including housing assistance and family allowances.

The French Senate approved the measure by 229 votes to 105 this week, less than two weeks after cost-of-living protests triggered widespread unrest. The violence caused more than 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion) in damage. Nearly 2,400 people were arrested over one weekend, thousands of shops were looted or damaged, and a fire destroyed the 19th-century city hall in Limoges.

Under the proposed law, people who knowingly join groups preparing violence could face payments of up to 10,000 euros ($11,200) for damage caused by others. Those who remain with violent crowds after police orders to disperse could also be held responsible.

Once a court ruling becomes final, authorities could deduct compensation from family benefits, housing assistance and France's minimum-income benefit, known as RSA. The benefit provides around 650 euros ($730) a month to a single person. Back-to-school allowances could also face deductions, although a minimum amount would remain protected for basic needs.

Communist Senator Fabien Gay questioned the effectiveness of the measure. He said deducting 57 euros ($63) every month from a household receiving RSA benefits would take nearly 15 years to recover 10,000 euros.

Supporters argue that victims of vandalism should not bear the financial burden. Replacing a large shop window alone can cost tens of thousands of euros. After the 2023 riots, insurers paid 793 million euros ($888 million) across 16,400 claims, according to France Assureurs.

However, human rights groups warn that the law could hurt families who had no involvement in the violence. Nathalie Godard of Amnesty International France said seizing such payments could have "disastrous consequences for the poorest".

The bill, backed by the far right in the conservative-led Senate, will now move to the National Assembly. Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally, has long supported recovering riot-related damages through welfare payments.

Meanwhile, concerns over social media-fuelled violence are growing across Europe. Spanish fact-checking organisation Maldita.es identified calls for Halloween protests in 46 cities across at least nine countries. In Barcelona, online posts urged people to gather at Catalonia Square on October 24. Authorities said the gathering was presented as an education protest but later involved looting, fires and damage to public property. Police arrested 130 people, including 76 minors, EFE reported.

Italy has taken a different approach. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced a security decree on October 20 after looting in Milan, invoking the principle "Chi rompe paga", meaning "you break it, you pay". Parents could face fines of up to 1,000 euros, rising to twice that amount for repeat offences, unless they prove they could not prevent their children's actions. They could also be held liable for damage caused by minors. Italy has additionally introduced prison terms of four to 12 years for organising violence during protests, including online.

Social media platforms are also facing pressure. Catalonia's interior chief Núria Parlon has urged Telegram and WhatsApp to shut down channels promoting violence. Telegram said it removes content encouraging violence, vandalism or theft when identified. However, replacement groups continue to emerge.

France's proposal would also allow authorities to seek the removal of online content promoting violence or looting without prior court approval. If the content remains available after 24 hours, authorities could order websites to be blocked, subject to legal challenges. The debate has also drawn comparisons with Britain, where a parliamentary committee found that social media algorithms amplified harmful content following the 2024 Southport killings and subsequent riots.