The Senate will launch a commission of inquiry into the use and strategy of TikTok in France, announced Thursday Senator Claude Malhuret, president of the Les Indépendants group.
The creation of the commission – presented on February 1 – was accepted on February 8 by the Conference of Presidents of the Senate. It will be made up of 19 senators whose names will be known on March 1.
In the proposal for the creation of the commission, Claude Malhuret specified its objectives. First, to “determine whether the content highlighted changes from one country to another,” but also to “determine whether these operational differences have the purpose or effect of serving a strategy to harm foreign TikTok users, cohesion, or security.” of foreign states”.
Very narrow room for maneuver
During a press conference, the senator was cautious: “I have no illusions, we are not going to reveal everything, but the commission allows us to put our foot in the door.”
The first job will be to determine the people to audition, he said. For example, the French who work for the French subsidiary of TikTok. This commission can take up to six months, the objective being not to exceed the summer period.
Going through a commission of inquiry has several advantages: the people interviewed are required to comply with the subpoena and give their testimony under oath. In case the condition is not respected, sanctions are foreseen. It also allows controls over pieces.
TikTok targeted from all sides
The senator justifies the creation of such a commission by listing all the accusations against the social network, particularly in Europe.
On January 10, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew met with four senior European officials. It was recalled that TikTok must comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (RGPD). In addition, European Commissioner Thierry Breton has called for greater transparency in TikTok’s algorithms.
In France, the opacity of TikTok was nailed by the Arcom in its report published at the end of 2022. The platform was sentenced by the National Commission for Informatics and Liberties (CNIL) on January 12 to pay a fine of 5 million euros for not having allowed users of its website to simply reject the cookies. There are also reports of espionage regarding the social network. “That’s a lot,” notes Claude Malhuret.
Whether France will go as far as the US or the Chinese social network remains to be seen. could be bannedand where parliamentarians addressed this sensitive issue.
Source: BFM TV
