The French parliament on Wednesday launched a nationwide online consultation to gauge public opinion on the use and potential psychological effects of the social media platform TikTok.
The National Assembly’s online survey, which is open until May 31, asks participants to answer questions such as “Do you find it difficult not to use TikTok?” or “To what extent do you think the content on the following platforms is sufficiently moderated?”
The purpose of the survey is “to consult with French adults and minors (directly or through their parents) about their use and perception of social media and, in particular, TikTok,” the official report says.
The results of the consultations will be submitted to a parliamentary commission that will study the consequences of the platform, which is owned by the Chinese company Bytedance and is popular among young users.
About 40% of French users between the ages of 11 and 17 use TikTok on a daily basis.
Harmful and addictive content
Laure Miller, an MP from President Emmanuel Macron’s political party, the National Front, in a post on social media platform X, called the initiative “a unique opportunity to contribute to the commission’s work.”
Miller is also a rapporteur for the commission, which was set up in March to investigate TikTok’s audience, the platform’s influence, and its moderation.
The commission has already begun interviewing researchers, journalists, youth advocacy groups, government officials, and TikTok content creators. Representatives of the platform are expected to be heard next month.
The commission should publish its findings no later than September.
In November 2024, seven French families sued TikTok for “harmful content,” “addictive” content, and lack of moderation, which allegedly led to “direct harm” to young people’s health, and two young users committed suicide.
