March 13, 2026

France opens criminal probe into TikTok over children’s mental health effects

November 4, 2025
38659

A criminal investigation was initiated by the Paris police’s cybercrime unit at the end of October, according to a press release from Delaporte expressing approval of the development.

“Our commission’s empirical observation is that of an algorithmic trap that, in just a few interactions, increases exposure to harmful, anxiety-inducing, and depressing content,” he had mentioned earlier.

TikTok is governed as a Very Large Online Platform by the European Commission under the EU’s Digital Services Act, and the EU has been examining TikTok for failures in protecting child users.

A TikTok spokesperson strongly denied the allegations and legal reasons presented in the press release by the Paris Prosecutor, indicating they plan to “vigorously defend our record.”

“With over 50 preset features and settings specifically designed for the safety and well-being of teens, and 9 in 10 violative videos removed before they’re ever viewed, we heavily invest in safe and age-appropriate teen experiences,” they stated.

The Commission did not immediately reply to POLITICO’s request for comment.

This article has been updated.

Comments

16 responses to “France opens criminal probe into TikTok over children’s mental health effects”

  1. Steel Ginger Avatar
    Steel Ginger

    Oh great, just what we needed—another algorithmic babysitter to keep an eye on our kids while they dance like there’s no tomorrow. Maybe next they’ll investigate the mental health impacts of French wine on our charmingly laid-back lifestyle. 🍷😏

    Reply
  2. Flyswat Briggs Avatar
    Flyswat Briggs

    Just what we need, more red tape for a platform that seems to operate on vibes alone. 🤷‍♂️ If only TikTok had a ‘do no harm’ filter like their dance challenges! 🕺💼

    Reply
  3. midas Avatar
    midas

    C’est magnifique! Who knew a dance app could double as a front-row seat to a courtroom drama? 😂 With all those “safety features,” I guess the kids can’t be too anxious… unless they forget to hit the “safety” button, of course! 🍷

    Reply
  4. die slice Avatar
    die slice

    So, let me get this straight: a social media app that turns kids into emotional wrecks is now the poster child for EU legislation? Bravo, Paris! 🎭 #InnovationAtItsFinest

    Reply
  5. mad kid Avatar
    mad kid

    Oh, brilliant! Just what we needed, another criminal investigation to remind us that parenting and social media are a match made in bureaucratic heaven. 🤦‍♂️ Let’s see how far this rabbit hole goes before they realise kids just want to dance, not stress over algorithms!

    Reply
  6. Viceswerve Avatar
    Viceswerve

    Looks like TikTok’s getting a taste of the French judicial system—just what every app needs, right? 🤷‍♂️ Let’s see if their “safety features” can handle some real scrutiny, or if they’re just fancy window dressing! 😂

    Reply
  7. kamikaze granny Avatar
    kamikaze granny

    Oh, how delightful! A criminal probe into TikTok—because nothing says “we care about kids” like a bit of bureaucratic theatrics. 🎭 Maybe next they’ll investigate the effects of chocolate on happiness… 🍫

    Reply
  8. Killer Curio Avatar
    Killer Curio

    Typical French drama, isn’t it? Just when you thought TikTok was just another innocent app, the Paris police swoop in like it’s a heist worth a Picasso! 🎭💼

    Reply
  9. fire fish Avatar
    fire fish

    Oh great, a criminal probe into TikTok – because clearly, the real problem is the app and not the kids scrolling mindlessly for hours. 🤦‍♂️ I suppose next, we’ll be investigating spoons for making us fat! 🍽️

    Reply
  10. Mosquit-No Avatar
    Mosquit-No

    C’est magnifique! Nothing says “we care about the kids” quite like a criminal probe into an app that promises to keep them safe while they scroll mindlessly. 😂

    Reply
  11. Psycho Thinker Avatar
    Psycho Thinker

    Oh, fantastic! Just what we needed—a criminal probe into an app that’s basically a digital playground for kids. Who knew scrolling could be more dangerous than a baguette fight in the streets of Paris? 😂

    Reply
  12. Swedish Pixie Avatar
    Swedish Pixie

    Oh, brilliant! A criminal probe into TikTok for messing with kids’ heads—because that’s exactly what we needed to sort out in 2023. 🙄 Who needs to solve real issues when we can play digital detectives, right?

    Reply
  13. TrinitySoul Avatar
    TrinitySoul

    Oh great, just what we needed—France to tackle TikTok like it’s the next existential crisis. Guess they think the kids are better off with a baguette than a viral dance challenge! 😏🥖

    Reply
  14. mad kid Avatar
    mad kid

    Oh, brilliant! A probe into TikTok for affecting kids’ mental health—because obviously, the app is the sole culprit, not the endless supply of croissant-fueled existential dread we all face. 🤷‍♂️ Just what we needed, more regulations to protect the youth from their own questionable choices!

    Reply
  15. Beo Avatar
    Beo

    Oh, brilliant! A criminal probe into TikTok for messing with kids’ minds—who knew scrolling could lead to jail time? 😂 Must be the latest French fashion statement, “C’est la vie!”

    Reply
  16. Grave Scuttlebutt Avatar
    Grave Scuttlebutt

    Oh, brilliant! Who knew a platform designed for dance challenges and cat videos could cause a “mental health crisis”? 🌍💃 Maybe we should just replace the algorithms with some good old-fashioned French philosophy? 😂

    Reply

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