French Lawmaker Accuses TikTok of Endangering Youth, Proposes Curfew

A recent report from the French Parliament has sharply criticized TikTok, alleging that the platform endangers the health and safety of young users. Arthur Delaporte, a member of the Socialist Party and chair of the parliamentary investigation, has labeled TikTok an “algorithmic trap” that exposes children to harmful content. He proposed a “digital curfew” aimed at reducing screen time for teenagers.

The investigation, which began in March 2024, sought to assess TikTok’s influence on the mental well-being of young people. Delaporte stated that the platform has “deliberately endangered the health and lives of its users,” highlighting the potential risks associated with its content. His comments followed the release of the committee’s findings, which emphasize the platform’s failure to adequately protect its younger audience.

In a concerning legal backdrop, a group of families initiated a lawsuit against TikTok in late 2024, alleging that the app promotes content that could lead to suicidal ideation among children. The parliamentary report echoes these concerns, criticizing TikTok for allowing harmful material to flourish and employing algorithms that could inadvertently drive young users into detrimental behaviors.

Concerns Over Mental Health and Screen Time

The report detailed various negative consequences of TikTok usage among teenagers, as outlined by Laure Miller, the committee’s rapporteur. She noted issues such as attention deficits, disrupted sleep patterns, and decreased self-esteem resulting from excessive use of the platform.

Despite these serious allegations, TikTok has dismissed the report’s findings, claiming they are “misleading” and unfairly attribute societal issues to the platform. The parent company, ByteDance, has asserted that it has implemented an artificial intelligence-based moderation system designed to encourage safe and healthy app usage. Nevertheless, French lawmakers have expressed skepticism regarding these measures, citing a significant reduction in the number of French-speaking moderators on TikTok—down by 26 percent between September 2023 and December 2024.

Proposed Legislative Changes

In light of the findings, French lawmakers have proposed the introduction of a “digital curfew” for users aged 15 to 18, recommending that they refrain from using the app between 10 p.m. and 8 a.m.. This proposal reflects growing concerns about the impact of social media on youth.

French President Emmanuel Macron has also weighed in on the issue, supporting a ban on social media access for children under the age of 15. The ongoing debate underscores the challenges faced by lawmakers as they seek to balance digital innovation with the protection of vulnerable populations, particularly children and adolescents.

As discussions continue, the implications of the parliamentary report may drive further regulatory actions aimed at ensuring safer online environments for young users.