In a landmark move, French prosecutors have initiated a criminal investigation into TikTok, focusing on the platform’s responsibility for safeguarding the mental health of children. This inquiry marks the first instance where the protection of minors on social media has escalated to criminal proceedings, reflecting a growing urgency among regulators to ensure the safety of young internet users.
Investigation triggered by parliamentary findings
The investigation follows a parliamentary inquiry led by Socialist lawmaker Arthur Delaporte, which published its findings on September 11. Delaporte expressed his support for the investigation in a press release, stating that the Paris police’s cybercrime unit formally opened the criminal probe at the end of October. He noted, “Our commission’s empirical observation is that of an algorithmic trap that, in just a few interactions, increases exposure to harmful, anxiety-inducing, and depressing content.”
Regulatory scrutiny and TikTok’s response
As a Very Large Online Platform regulated by the European Commission under the EU’s Digital Services Act, TikTok has come under scrutiny for potential failings in protecting its child users. The European Union has been actively investigating the platform regarding its policies and practices related to minors’ safety.
In response to the allegations, a TikTok spokesperson vehemently denied the claims and the legal foundations of the investigation. The spokesperson emphasized, “With more than 50 preset features and settings designed specifically to support the safety and well-being of teens, and 9 in 10 violative videos removed before they’re ever viewed, we invest heavily in safe and age-appropriate teen experiences.” The European Commission has not yet provided a statement regarding this ongoing investigation.
This development signals a pivotal moment in the conversation surrounding social media’s impact on children’s mental health, as authorities take decisive steps to hold platforms accountable for their role in shaping the online experiences of young users.