France launches investigation into TikTok over claims its algorithm encourages teen suicide
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French authorities have formally charged TikTok, alleging that its algorithm promotes self-harm and suicide among minors, according to a report by Reuters.
The Paris prosecutor, Laure Beccuau, confirmed that the investigation was launched at the direct request of the French Parliament, which expressed serious concerns about the platform’s influence on teenagers through its recommendation system. Beccuau said TikTok’s algorithm “puts young users at risk.”
Linked to previous suicide cases
The parliamentary committee stated that the new investigation is directly connected to a series of suicides reported in November last year, which families linked to the platform. Several French families accused TikTok of exposing their children to “harmful content” that encouraged them to take their own lives.
The parliamentary report also highlighted what it described as a “lack of moderation” within TikTok, allowing minors easy access to dangerous or triggering videos.
TikTok denies allegations
In response, TikTok rejected the accusations in a statement to Reuters, saying it is “fully prepared to defend the platform’s integrity in all local and international courts.”
The company said that “over 50% of the app’s features and settings are specifically designed to protect teens and ensure their mental wellbeing,” adding that “nine out of ten violent videos are removed within seconds—before anyone can see them.”
This is not the first time TikTok has clashed with French authorities. In September, the head of the French parliamentary committee accused the platform of “knowingly endangering its users’ lives” and referred the case to prosecutors.
