France investigates TikTok over suicide risks to minors

French prosecutors have initiated a formal investigation into TikTok's algorithmic operations amid growing concerns about the platform's potential contribution to suicide risks among underage users. The Paris Prosecutor's Office confirmed Tuesday that the preliminary inquiry will examine whether the social media company's content recommendation systems adequately protect minors from harmful material and comply with French digital safety regulations.

Parliamentary Concerns and Recommendations

The investigation follows warnings from Socialist lawmaker Arthur Delaporte, who chairs a parliamentary inquiry committee examining TikTok's impact on youth. Delaporte has expressed particular concern about minors' accessibility to algorithmic content that "may push the most vulnerable toward suicide." The committee previously recommended prohibiting social media access for children under fifteen and implementing digital curfews for teenagers aged fifteen to eighteen.

Investigation Focus and Legal Framework

The cybercrime unit of the Paris police headquarters will lead the investigation, focusing specifically on TikTok's compliance with legal obligations to report suspected offenses conducted through its services. Prosecutors will also examine the platform's handling of content that promotes or glorifies suicide, assessing whether adequate safeguards exist to prevent vulnerable users from encountering potentially dangerous material through algorithmic recommendations.

Broader Regulatory Context

This investigation represents the latest regulatory challenge for TikTok in European markets, where authorities have increasingly scrutinized social media platforms' responsibilities toward younger users. The case highlights ongoing tensions between digital platform innovation and child protection imperatives, particularly regarding algorithmic content distribution systems that may inadvertently amplify harmful content to psychologically vulnerable demographics.