Paris, France — The French government has raised concerns about a TikTok trend encouraging dangerous sun exposure, urging the national regulator Arcom to investigate the issue under the Digital Services Act.
What Happened
The French government has called on national regulator Arcom to address a growing trend on TikTok promoting hazardous sun exposure practices. The trend, which showcases young girls offering tips on how to achieve halterneck tan lines or “burn lines,” is gaining traction on the platform. These videos encourage harmful behavior that could lead to severe health risks, particularly concerning sunburn and long-term skin damage.
Health Minister Yannick Neuder and Digital Minister Clara Chappaz have expressed concern over the trend, noting that such content could negatively impact public health, particularly among vulnerable minors. In a letter sent to Arcom, the ministers called for action to ensure TikTok complies with the European Commission’s content moderation rules, including the protection of minors and transparency regarding platform algorithms.
Who Is Involved
Yannick Neuder, the French Health Minister, and Clara Chappaz, the French Digital Minister, are at the forefront of the government’s efforts to combat this dangerous trend. They have worked with Arcom, the national regulator, to take further steps under the Digital Services Act (DSA) to ensure platforms like TikTok address harmful content and uphold their responsibilities in protecting users, especially minors.
TikTok, as a platform, has been under increased scrutiny due to its content moderation policies. The French government’s concerns echo previous actions taken earlier this year, when a similar trend, “SkinnyTok,” which promoted extreme thinness, was also flagged for its harmful implications on users’ health.
Background or Timeline
The issue of hazardous content on TikTok is not new. In April 2025, Digital Minister Chappaz successfully called out TikTok for promoting the “SkinnyTok” trend, which was criticized for encouraging unhealthy body image standards and extreme dieting behaviors. This prompted a response from the European Commission and led to TikTok banning the “SkinnyTok” hashtag.
In the case of the halterneck tan line trend, the government has urged Arcom to assess the platform’s compliance with the DSA. The French ministers have recommended that Arcom compile a file for the European Commission, which could potentially lead to an investigation into TikTok’s failure to address harmful content.
Public or Social Media Reaction
The trend has sparked widespread concern across social media, with many questioning the platform’s responsibility in promoting content that could jeopardize the health of its young users. Health experts have also expressed alarm about the long-term consequences of sun exposure without proper protection, warning of skin cancer risks and premature aging.
TikTok users have responded in mixed ways, with some defending the harmless nature of the trend while others have criticized the platform for allowing such content to flourish. As awareness of the issue spreads, there has been growing pressure on TikTok to enforce stronger content moderation policies.
Official Statement or What Happens Next
The French government has taken a firm stance in ensuring that social media platforms, particularly TikTok, are held accountable for content that could harm users, especially minors. The next steps involve Arcom conducting an investigation into TikTok’s compliance with the Digital Services Act and possibly collaborating with the European Commission for further action.
The French government’s call for transparency and accountability from TikTok reflects broader concerns about the impact of social media trends on public health. As the investigation continues, authorities are watching closely to see if TikTok takes further steps to address harmful trends and improve its content moderation practices.
Closing Line
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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