TikTok Under Global Scrutiny as Concerns Over Misinformation and Youth Safety Mount

Global authorities are intensifying their scrutiny of TikTok amid growing concerns about the platform’s impact on information integrity, national security, and youth mental health. The social media giant, which boasts 1.5 billion active users worldwide including 15 million monthly users in France, faces increasing regulatory pressure across multiple continents.

In France, the National Assembly is set to examine the creation of a board of inquiry focused on TikTok’s psychological effects on minors, particularly regarding risks of suicidal behavior. This investigation comes as research reveals that half of French children aged 11-12 already have TikTok accounts despite the platform’s minimum age requirement of 13.

“TikTok amplifies false information more than its competitors, even those that spread false information six times faster than true information,” according to research from the Integrity Institute. Multiple studies have confirmed this troubling trend, with one analysis finding that 20% to 32% of videos about COVID-19 shared on the platform contained false or misleading information.

Unlike traditional media outlets that employ fact-checking tools and source verification, TikTok’s algorithm prioritizes user engagement without regard for content reliability. The platform’s design elements—short-form videos typically lasting 15-60 seconds and endless scrolling features—discourage critical analysis while promoting passive consumption.

Security experts have raised alarms about “computational propaganda” on the platform, where algorithms, automation, and anonymity combine to manipulate public opinion. In May 2024, NGO Global Witness demonstrated TikTok’s inability to detect advertisements containing false information during election campaigns, despite recent moderation improvements.

The platform’s particular appeal to younger generations has sparked widespread concern. According to Statista, 69% of French adults under 30 regularly use TikTok. Simultaneously, an Ifop study revealed that 69% of 18-24 year olds believe at least one scientific falsehood, highlighting critical challenges in information literacy.

TikTok has also been linked to dangerous viral challenges that directly endanger young users, including the notorious “Blackout Challenge,” which involves holding one’s breath until passing out, and the “Skullbreaker Challenge,” which has caused serious injuries.

In response to these concerns, numerous countries have implemented restrictions or outright bans. The United States banned TikTok in January 2025, citing risks that user data could be accessed by Chinese authorities. India took similar measures in 2020 amid border tensions with China. Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Jordan, and Somalia have also blocked the app for reasons ranging from inappropriate content to links with terrorism.

Albania became the first European country to completely block TikTok in 2024, accusing it of encouraging harassment among young people. Meanwhile, France has banned “recreational” applications, including TikTok, on civil servants’ professional devices, citing national security concerns.

The European Commission has instituted formal proceedings against TikTok under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which imposes greater transparency obligations on online platforms. Potential penalties could reach up to 6% of the company’s annual worldwide sales for non-compliance.

As authorities grapple with these issues, the European Union faces the challenge of balancing user protection—particularly for young people—with digital freedoms. While a total ban on TikTok in Europe would represent an extreme measure requiring complex political decision-making, regulatory pressure continues to mount as evidence of the platform’s harmful effects accumulates.