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France Opens Criminal Probe Into TikTok Over Alleged Algorithmic Harm to Minors

The case follows a parliamentary report that described an algorithmic trap exposing children to self-harm content.

Overview

  • Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau said the investigation was opened by the Paris police cybercrime brigade at the end of October.
  • Authorities are examining potential offenses including hosting propaganda that promotes suicide methods and enabling illegal transactions by an organized gang, which carry prison terms and heavy fines.
  • The referral stems from a parliamentary committee that cited insufficient moderation, easy access for minors, and a recommendation system that can rapidly push vulnerable youths toward suicide-related content.
  • Prosecutors said the probe will draw on prior findings from the Senate, Amnesty International, and the Viginum agency, while TikTok did not immediately comment.
  • The move comes as the European Commission preliminarily found TikTok obstructed researcher access under the Digital Services Act, and observers note this marks the first criminal case in France focused on social-media protections for minors.