French Families Take Legal Action Against TikTok Over Harmful Content Exposure

In a significant legal move, seven French families have come together to file a lawsuit against TikTok, accusing the social media platform of exposing their adolescent children to harmful content. According to their lawyer, Laure Boutron-Marmion, this exposure is linked to the tragic suicides of two teenagers, both of whom were just 15 years old.

The lawsuit, which is being presented in the Créteil judicial court, alleges that TikTok’s algorithm directed these teenagers to videos that promoted suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders. Boutron-Marmion highlighted that this case is the first of its kind in Europe, signaling a potential shift in how social media platforms may be held accountable for their content.

“The parents want TikTok’s legal liability to be recognized in court,” Boutron-Marmion stated. “This is a commercial company offering a product to consumers who are, in addition, minors. They must, therefore, answer for the product’s shortcomings.”

The issue of harmful content on social media has been a growing concern globally, with TikTok, along with other platforms like Meta’s Facebook and Instagram, facing increasing scrutiny over their content moderation practices. These platforms are implicated in numerous lawsuits in the United States, accused of enticing and addicting millions of children to their services, often at the expense of their mental health.

Despite the serious nature of the allegations, TikTok has not yet publicly responded to this particular lawsuit. However, the company has previously asserted its commitment to addressing issues related to children’s mental health. In testimony before U.S. lawmakers earlier this year, TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew stated that the company has invested in measures aimed at safeguarding young users.