France: Paris Public Prosecutor's Office opened investigation into TikTok over allegations of illicit transaction, data processing impairment, and suicide promotion

Description

Paris Public Prosecutor's Office opened investigation into TikTok over allegations of illicit transaction, data processing impairment, and suicide promotion

On 4 November 2025, the Paris Public Prosecutor's Office launched a preliminary investigation into TikTok following a report by MP Arthur Delaporte, which raised concerns about the platform’s insufficient moderation, easy access for minors, and algorithmic promotion of content that could lead vulnerable users to suicide. The Cybercrime Unit of the Paris Police Prefecture is examining three alleged offences, including facilitating illicit transactions through the platform, altering the function of automated data processing systems for harmful purposes, and promoting methods of suicide. The investigation focuses on TikTok’s compliance with obligations to report suspected offences, the operation of its algorithm compared with how it is presented to users, and the dissemination of content promoting suicide. The investigation also draws on previous analyses, including a 2023 Senate report on risks to freedom of expression and data collection, a 2023 Amnesty International report on the algorithm’s addictive nature and potential to trigger self-harm, and a February 2025 Viginum report highlighting risks of public opinion manipulation.

Original source

Scope

Policy Area
Content moderation
Policy Instrument
Content moderation regulation
Regulated Economic Activity
platform intermediary: user-generated content
Implementation Level
national
Government Branch
judiciary
Government Body
court

Complete timeline of this policy change

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2025-11-04
under deliberation

On 4 November 2025, the Paris Public Prosecutor's Office launched a preliminary investigation into …