Seven French families have sued TikTok, accusing it of exposing their teenagers to harmful content. They claim this exposure contributed to the suicides of two 15-year-olds, their lawyer revealed on Monday.
The lawsuit argues that TikTok’s algorithm promoted disturbing videos about suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders. According to lawyer Laure Boutron-Marmion, the platform’s recommendation system repeatedly pushed these videos to young users, aiming to keep them engaged with similar content.
First Case of Its Kind in Europe
The families are pursuing legal action in the Créteil judicial court. Boutron-Marmion highlighted that this is the first lawsuit of its kind in Europe. The parents demand TikTok take legal responsibility for exposing their children to harmful content.
“The parents seek acknowledgment of TikTok’s role in this tragedy,” Boutron-Marmion explained. “As a commercial entity targeting consumers, including minors, TikTok must ensure its content does not harm young users.”
Broader Concerns About Social Media’s Impact
Social media platforms, including TikTok, face increasing scrutiny over their effects on young users’ mental health. Lawsuits in the United States have also targeted Meta, accusing it of promoting addictive behaviors and mental health problems among teens.
Although TikTok has not publicly addressed the lawsuit, the company claims to prioritize young users’ mental health. Earlier this year, CEO Shou Zi Chew informed US lawmakers about safety measures designed to protect minors. Critics, however, argue that TikTok must do more to shield vulnerable teenagers from harmful content.