In an announcement today, Hollande said, "We must act at the European and international level to define a legal framework so that internet platforms which manage social media be considered responsible, and that sanctions can be taken."

French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve plans to travel to the US to discuss this proposal with the heads of Google, Microsoft, Facebook, and Twitter. The president will present a draft law next month.

This announcement is largely a reaction to the recent terror attacks at French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. It follows a string of recent anti-terror proposals by the country, including stronger social media surveillance. The bullish rhetoric employed by French politicians in response to the tragedy has raised fears of a European Patriot Act, much like US legislation immediately following the September 11th attacks.

It remains to be seen how exactly the boundaries of what constitutes an "extremist" message will be set, and to what extent the web companies will be involved.