Seven families in France have filed a lawsuit against TikTok, accusing the platform of exposing their children to harmful content that allegedly contributed to two suicides.
The lawsuit alleged that the social media platform showed harmful content to their children that led to their suicides and self-harm behaviors.
Family Lawyer Said TikTok Promotes Self-Harm
Laure Boutron-Marmion, the lawyer representing the families, stated that TikTok’s algorithm directed the children to content that promoted self-harm, eating disorders, and suicide.
The lawsuit follows a separate criminal complaint filed last year by the mother of Marie, a 15-year-old who died by suicide in 2021.
First-Ever Lawsuit in Europe
This lawsuit is the first of its kind in Europe against TikTok that highlighted the platform’s unethical practices.
TikTok responded that it had not received any formal notification of the lawsuit and rejected any wrongdoing.
TikTok has come under increasing scrutiny for using highly addictive algorithms and other features causing mental health crises.
