France considers TikTok ban for children – criminal proceedings possible

A French parliamentary committee has accused the TikTok platform of deliberately endangering the health and lives of minors.

After months of investigation, committee chairman Arthur Delaporte said he had referred the case to the Paris public prosecutor's office and requested a criminal investigation.

According to the committee, TikTok is guilty of active complicity; in addition, company representatives made false statements during the hearings.

The committee was set up following a lawsuit filed by seven families who accuse TikTok of exposing their children to dangerous content related to suicide.

The committee's recommendations include a general ban on social networks for children under the age of 15 and a nighttime ban between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m. for young people aged 15 to 18.

TikTok has not yet responded to the allegations, but has emphasized in the past that it takes children's mental health very seriously.

The public prosecutor's office has not yet decided whether to open proceedings.

(reuters, red)