France Seeks Criminal Probe Into TikTok Over Alleged Harm to Minors
French lawmaker accuses TikTok of endangering young users and misleading Parliament
PARIS – The head of a French parliamentary committee investigating the mental health impact of TikTok on minors has formally requested a criminal investigation, accusing the social media platform of endangering young users' lives.
The committee, formed in March 2025, revealed its findings and policy recommendations on September 11, concluding that TikTok deliberately endangered the health and safety of its predominantly young audience.
“The conclusion is clear: TikTok has deliberately endangered the health and lives of its users. That is why I have decided to refer the matter to the Paris public prosecutor,” said Arthur Delaporte, Socialist MP and chairman of the committee, during an interview with franceinfo.
Delaporte also alleged possible criminal offences, including active complicity and perjury, citing misleading statements made by TikTok executives during committee hearings.
“They told us they were unaware of any issues... I believe this constitutes perjury,” he added.
It is now up to the Paris public prosecutor to determine whether to open a formal criminal investigation.
TikTok did not immediately comment on the latest development. The platform has previously stated it takes concerns around children’s mental health seriously.
The committee’s inquiry was prompted by a 2024 lawsuit brought by seven families who accused TikTok of exposing their children to harmful content that allegedly pushed them toward suicidal behavior.
🚨 Committee Recommendations:
Ban social media access for all users under 15 years old
Enforce a curfew for users aged 15 to 18, blocking access between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.
TikTok and similar platforms are under increasing global scrutiny. Australia and several European countries are considering or have already adopted similar measures to protect children online.
In June, French President Emmanuel Macron announced he would push for European Union (EU) regulations to restrict social media access for those under 15. The proposal followed a fatal school stabbing in eastern France, which some authorities partially attributed to social media-fueled violence.
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