French regulators have reportedly banned broadcasters from using the words Facebook or Twitter on air.
The brand names can be used on TV and radio if a news story is specifically about one of the companies.
But it is thought that constant use of the names is considered to be advertising the products.
A law from 1992 bans the use of surreptitious marketing - and the recent ruling is apparently intended to prevent networks from giving an advantage to the websites.
Some have expressed concern that broadcasters will not be able to direct fans to Facebook and Twitter pages - which are now commonly used to encourage interaction between the audience and programme makers.
Christine Kelly, an advisor to France's regulatory body the Conseil Superieur de l'Audiovisuel, said there had been a misunderstanding.
"We encourage the use of social networks," she said.
"There is no question of blocking."
But, she said people could be more careful when referring to the sites and just tell people to "find us on social networks".
"Why should we promote a network that is worth billions of dollars like Facebook and not for another one that is having a hard time getting known?" Ms Kelly asked.
She added that it would be "a distortion of competition" to give one social network preference over another.
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