TikTok Faces Legal Battle in France Over Allegedly Harmful Content Leading to Teen Suicides
In France, seven families have launched a lawsuit against TikTok, claiming that the platform’s content contributed to the suicides of two teenagers, both 15 years old. Represented by attorney Laure Boutron-Marmion, the families argue that TikTok’s algorithm exposed their children to harmful videos promoting suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders.
The lawsuit, filed in the Créteil judicial court, marks the first coordinated legal case of its kind in Europe. Boutron-Marmion emphasized that the parents seek recognition of TikTok’s responsibility, saying, “This is a commercial company offering a product to consumers who are, in addition, minors. They must, therefore, answer for the product’s shortcomings.”
This case follows global concerns over social media platforms’ effects on youth mental health, echoing similar lawsuits in the United States, where platforms like Meta’s Facebook and Instagram have faced accusations of addicting young users and harming their mental well-being. TikTok has previously highlighted its commitment to user safety, with CEO Shou Zi Chew reporting to U.S. lawmakers that the company has invested in protecting its younger users.
TikTok has not yet responded to the latest allegations.
