Overview

• The French National Assembly unanimously approved the creation of a commission to study TikTok's psychological effects on children and adolescents.
• The inquiry will examine whether TikTok's algorithm amplifies harmful content, including material linked to self-harm, suicide, and hypersexualization.
• TikTok's popularity among young users is significant, with 70% of its French audience under 24 and many users below the app's minimum age requirement of 13.
• Concerns have been raised about TikTok's opaque moderation practices and its potential role in fostering mental health issues, including eating disorders and body image concerns.
• The commission, which may operate for up to six months, follows lawsuits by families alleging TikTok's role in promoting harmful content tied to tragic outcomes.