After the concentration of the media, the influence of private consulting firms on public policies or the situation of the hospital, the Senate is preparing to investigate a foreign company: TikTok.
The law commission and the conference of presidents gave the green light on Wednesday evening to a proposal tabled on February 1 by the group Les Indépendants-République et territories.
According to its title, this senatorial investigation will look at “
the use of the TikTok social network, its exploitation of data and its strategy of influence.
She will have to submit her conclusions within a maximum of six months.
This commission will be made up of 19 senators, who will be appointed by the various parliamentary groups.
This nomination process will take place on March 1st.
A power of coercion limited to France
The creation of this commission of inquiry is an initiative of Senator Claude Malhuret, in view of the multiplication of concerns about the Chinese social network raised by press inquiries and by statements from regulators on both sides of the Atlantic.
Addiction, disinformation, propaganda, moderation efforts, data transfers... "
it seems particularly important to shed full light on the veracity of these accusations
", can we read in the explanatory memorandum.
To achieve this, the commission of inquiry may request the transmission of internal documents to the company.
It also has the power to hear under oath employees and managers of TikTok, but also researchers, regulators, journalists and all other relevant persons on this subject.
The commission's first job will be to identify who to interview.
However, "
we can only compel French citizens or people working for a French company to testify
", explained Claude Malhuret during a press conference.
If the employees of TikTok France will not be able to avoid requests for hearings, those of TikTok Europe or World will have the right to refuse.
"Getting your foot in the door"
“
I have no illusions
,” repeated Claude Malhuret several times during this conference.
“
TikTok will oppose us with business secrecy.
We will not have access to their algorithms.
Their tools evolve every day thanks to a staff far superior in number to that of a commission of inquiry.
“But the senator believes”
that we will still be able to get our foot in the door.
“
I don't have a crystal ball, but the auditions should make it possible to raise issues and open doors that are closed today
,” he continues.
“
We are going to move forward in unraveling the thread and revealing the gray areas.
»
The conclusions of the commission of inquiry could give rise to legislative proposals, “
but that is not the priority
”, affirms Claude Malhuret.
Could the Senate recommend that officials remove TikTok from their smartphones, as is the case in the United States?
"
I will not give my opinion so as not to influence the work of the commission
," said the senator.