French deputies have proposed radical measures to protect teenagers from the influence of social networks. After months of hearings with families, industry representatives, and bloggers, the Parliamentary Committee recommended a complete ban on the use of social networks for children under 15 years of age. For adolescents aged 15 to 18, they suggested implementing a “digital curfew” from 22:00 to 8:00, prohibiting access to social networks during those hours.
The idea of restrictions for children and younger teenagers received support in the Elisean Palace. A similar initiative is being discussed in Australia, where preparations for a law banning social networks for people under 16 began last year.
The head of the Committee, Arthur Deadport, plans to sue TikTok, accusing the platform of posing a threat to users’ lives. This decision comes after an investigation that started in March 2024, following lawsuits from seven families who claimed that TikTok had pushed their children to suicide by exposing them to dangerous content.
According to the report’s author, Lor Miye, TikTok’s algorithms have become a model for other social networks targeting teenagers. Parents of the deceased children highlighted the lack of content moderation on TikTok, which they believe leads adolescents down a path of self-destructive behavior. One mother discovered numerous videos showcasing self-harm on her daughter’s account after her tragic death.
TikTok leaders have responded to these claims by emphasizing that the safety of young users remains a top priority for the company. They stated that their AI-based moderation in 2024 identified and blocked 98% of rule-violating content in France.
Despite TikTok’s assurances, deputies deemed the measures insufficient, arguing that circumventing the rules is easy and that the platform’s algorithm actually encourages teenagers to engage with harmful content. Delport accused TikTok’s regional director, Marlene Mazyur, of providing false testimony to parliament, as leaked internal documents contradict some of her claims.
The final report includes a warning that if platforms fail to comply with European legislation within the next three years, the ban on social networks for younger users may be extended to include all users in that age group.