“French investigators open criminal probe into TikTok over impact on children’s mental health”, 5 November 2025

The announcement follows a lawsuit targeting TikTok by several French families, a French parliamentary probe into the psychological impact of TikTok on children, and reports detailing similar issues published by Amnesty International and the French Senate.

The Paris prosecutor’s office said the investigation will examine “content consisting notably of the promotion of suicide” and whether TikTok respected obligations to notify authorities of infractions committed by intermediaries.

In a statement provided Tuesday, TikTok refuted the claims in the parliamentary report that helped lead to the investigation. “With more than 50 pre-set features and settings designed specifically to support the safety and well-being of teens, and nine in 10 violative videos removed before they’re ever viewed, we invest heavily in safe and age-appropriate teen experiences,” TikTok said...

The Paris police cybercrime brigade will investigate possible crimes including “propaganda for products or methods ... used to take one’s life,” and allowing illicit transactions linked to organised crime, the prosecutor’s office said.

If the investigation leads to charges and convictions, those found guilty could face several years in prison and fines...