The French government is seeking to take action against a TikTok group promoting extreme thinness among young women and girls, reports The Guardian.
France’s minister for digital media, Clara Chappaz, has reported #SkinnyTok to the country’s audiovisual and digital watchdog and the EU over concerns that the trend is body-shaming victims into anorexia and that algorithms are targeting the most vulnerable.
The hashtag has been associated with more than half a million posts on the app.
“These videos promoting extreme thinness are revolting and absolutely unacceptable,” Chappaz said. “Digital tools are marvellous in terms of progress and freedom, but badly used they can shatter lives … the social networks cannot escape their responsibility.”
Last month, French lawmakers approved the creation of a parliamentary commission to examine the psychological effects of TikTok on children and adolescents.
Martin Ajdari, the president of the regulator Arcom, is due to give evidence to the commission next month.