Investigating TikTok: What the Senate Commission of Inquiry Has Discovered
Crazy Success
TikTok has become a household name, with millions of users spending hours on the platform every day. In France alone, over 15 million people are registered on the Chinese video platform. This popularity has led to concerns about the potential dangers posed by TikTok, especially for minors.
Decisive Hearing
The Senate Commission of Inquiry on the Use of Social Network TikTok has been working for three months to investigate these concerns. As part of this investigation, the commission has held hearings with experts in fields like psychology, artificial intelligence, and data protection.
Today, the commission will hear from Eric Garando, director of public relations for TikTok France, and Marlene Mazur, director of operations for France, Benelux, and Southern Europe. The goal of this hearing is to understand the platform’s links to China and other potential dangers posed by TikTok.
Towards a Total Ban on TikTok in France?
France is not the first country to scrutinize TikTok. The United States has been one of the most vocal opponents of the Chinese-owned platform, with some states even attempting to ban it. In March, TikTok CEO Show Zi Chu faced a five-hour hearing in front of the US Congress but was unable to convince lawmakers of the platform’s safety.
While a ban on TikTok in France may not be imminent, the Senate Commission of Inquiry’s investigation has raised concerns about the potential risks associated with the popular video platform. As governments around the world grapple with the harms of social media, it’s clear that TikTok will continue to be a topic of interest and concern.