French Families Pursue Legal Action Against TikTok for Alleged Role in Teen Suicides

Seven French families have filed a lawsuit against TikTok, claiming the platform exposed their teenage children to harmful content, leading to the suicides of two 15-year-olds.

The lawsuit claims TikTok's algorithm led the adolescents to videos promoting suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders. The families are pursuing joint legal action in the Créteil judicial court in Paris, marking the first case of its kind in Europe.

The parents aim to establish TikTok’s legal liability, arguing that as a commercial entity providing a product to minors, TikTok should be held accountable for its platform's shortcomings.

TikTok faces similar scrutiny as other social media platforms regarding content moderation. It is dealing with multiple lawsuits in the U.S. alleging that it harms children's mental health through compulsive use.

Shou Zi Chew, TikTok’s CEO, has stated that the company takes children's mental health issues seriously and has invested in protective measures.