French Senate Commission Urges Suspension of TikTok in France and within the EU.

TikTok, part of Chinese giant ByteDance, the Chinese-origin social media platform, has faced intense scrutiny from the French Senate and government in recent months. Yesterday, the French senate commission released it's findings and recommendations of their Inquiry, focusing on the concerns raised about content moderation, data privacy, and TikTok's geopolitical implications.

The commission's push for greater transparency and measures to address these issues underscores the growing need for responsible social media practices.

Content Moderation and Data Privacy Concerns.

During the Senate hearings, TikTok faced allegations of inadequate content moderation, addictive qualities, and uncertainties surrounding its links to Chinese authorities. The commission expressed dissatisfaction with TikTok's responses, calling for the platform to demonstrate goodwill and take decisive action.

The commission's rapporteur, Claude Malhuret a senator, who is president of the Liberal french politcal party; "Les Indépendants – République et Territoires (The Independents – Republic and Territories) - emphasizes the need for a tough stance on social networks. Highlighting their role in spreading violence and posing threats to democracies. The government is considering the possibility of suspending social media functionalities in response to future riots.

Chinese government links.

Earlier in March, Mr Malhuret, focused his line of questioning on TikTok's connections with the Chinese government. He highlighted the company's ownership structure, which ultimately traces back to Xiamen Xingchen Qidian Technology (XXQT), led by a Chinese Communist Party executive leader from the city of Xiamen. The inability of TikTok's public affairs director in France, Eric Garandeau, to provide satisfactory answers on this matter raised concerns. Malhuret also raised eyebrows at the registration of TikTok France as a simplified company with a single shareholder, Zhao Tian, who is also the vice-president of Chinese application Toutiao, a subsidiary of Douyin. Malhuret pointed out that due to China's extraterritorial laws, Tian, a Chinese-Canadian national, is legally obligated to cooperate fully with the Chinese government.

Following extensive hearings involving various stakeholders such as Digital Minister Jean-No?l Barrot, regulators, TikTok France lobbyists, and researchers, lawmakers have put forward 21 recommendations. One significant recommendation is the expansion of the TikTok ban beyond civil servants' phones to include employees of critical infrastructure operators. The operators, encompassing sectors like military, energy, finance, transportation, and water management, are not publicly disclosed for security reasons.

Of particular concern was TikTok's significant presence among young users, emphasizing the need for effective age control measures and protection of children's well-being.

Geopolitical Implications and Economic Model.

Senators highlighted TikTok's opaque algorithm, economic model, and potential geopolitical significance. The platform's substantial collection of personal data raised questions about its use and the potential implications for national security. The commission called for greater transparency in TikTok's operations, including information about its capital, statutes, shareholders, and data protection plans. The economic model, which relies on content promotion through the algorithm, also faced criticism for its lack of clarity and fair remuneration for publishers.

Transparency and Measures for Compliance.

To address these concerns, the commission granted TikTok a six-month period to respond and implement necessary measures. Quick and straightforward actions were emphasized, including providing detailed information, improving content moderation, and negotiating fair agreements with authors' societies. The commission also sought clarity on TikTok's data protection plans, particularly regarding Clover, TikTok's 2021 Data Governance Strategy for Europe: Local Data Storage, Limited Data Transfers, and Enhanced User Data Protection.

Failure to comply could lead to recommendations for suspension based on risks to national security and the well-being of children.

Implications and Future Developments.

The Senate's investigation and recommendations mark a significant milestone in the regulation of social media platforms. TikTok's response and commitment to transparency will shape its future in France and the European Union. The findings also have wider implications, highlighting the need for responsible practices, data protection, and the safeguarding of democratic values. As governments worldwide grapple with the challenges posed by social media platforms, the Senate's inquiry sets a precedent for addressing similar concerns globally.

Final Thoughts.

The Senate investigation into TikTok underscores the increasing scrutiny of social media platforms and the demand for transparency and responsible practices. TikTok's compliance with the Senate's recommendations will be crucial in determining its future in France and beyond. As the debates surrounding content moderation, data privacy, and geopolitical implications intensify, governments and regulatory bodies will continue to prioritize the protection of citizens and the preservation of democratic values. The outcome of the TikTok investigation serves as a significant step towards achieving these goals.

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