Paris prosecutors open investigation into TikTok over risks to minors, harmful algorithms and potential criminal violations

The Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened a preliminary investigation into TikTok following concerns raised by a parliamentary commission about the platform’s impact on young users and its handling of harmful content. The move follows a formal referral on 11 September 2025 by French MP Arthur Delaporte, who alerted authorities to issues uncovered during the commission’s inquiry into the psychological effects of the app.

Multiple reports flagged serious risks

According to the prosecutor’s statement, Delaporte’s referral highlighted several issues: insufficient moderation, easy access to the platform by minors, and an algorithm capable of quickly directing vulnerable users into harmful content cycles, including material that may encourage self-harm. These concerns were examined alongside findings from several earlier reports.

A 2023 French Senate report warned of risks relating to freedom of expression, intrusive data collection, and aggressive recommendation algorithms pushing dangerous content. Amnesty International’s 2023 report described TikTok’s algorithm as addictive and potentially linked to self-harming behaviour among young people. In February 2025, Viginum, France’s agency for foreign digital interference, identified a ‘critical risk’ of opinion manipulation on the platform, particularly during election periods.

The prosecutor’s office noted it is working closely with state bodies, including ARCOM, the national media and communications regulator, and Viginum, whose analyses will inform the investigation.

Cybercrime brigade to lead inquiry

The case has been assigned to the BL2C, the Paris police cybercrime brigade. Investigators will examine whether the platform may have facilitated or failed to act on suspected illegal activity, whether its algorithm functions as presented to users, and whether content promoting suicide has been disseminated.

The inquiry focuses on several potential offences under French law, including:

• providing an online platform that enables organised illicit transactions (punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a €1 million fine)
• organised alteration of an automated data-processing system (up to 10 years in prison and a €300,000 fine)
• promoting products, objects or methods presented as means of suicide (up to 3 years in prison and a €45,000 fine)

Authorities will also assess whether TikTok met its obligation to notify law-enforcement authorities when it became aware of suspected illegal activity facilitated through the platform.

Why does it matter?

The preliminary investigation reflects mounting concerns in France and globally about the real-world impact of recommendation systems and the responsibilities of large platforms to protect users, particularly minors, from harmful content. The outcome of this inquiry could influence future regulatory expectations for algorithmic transparency, content moderation, and cooperation between platforms and public authorities.

The prosecutor, Laure Beccuau, said the investigation aims to clarify how TikTok’s systems function, the extent of potential harms, and whether the platform complied with French legal obligations.