Seven French families have taken legal action against social media giant TikTok, claiming that the platform exposed their adolescent children to harmful content, resulting in tragic consequences. The families have filed a lawsuit in the Créteil judicial court, alleging that TikTok's algorithm promoted videos related to suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders to their teenagers.
According to the families' lawyer, Laure Boutron-Marmion, this joint legal action marks the first such grouped case in Europe. The parents are seeking to hold TikTok accountable for the impact of its content on minors, emphasizing the platform's responsibility as a commercial entity providing services to young consumers.
Similar to other social media platforms, TikTok has been under scrutiny for its content moderation practices. The company, like Meta with Facebook and Instagram, is facing numerous lawsuits in the United States, with allegations of luring and addicting children to their platforms, leading to mental health issues.
While TikTok has not yet responded to the specific allegations raised by the French families, the company has previously stated its commitment to addressing concerns related to children's mental health. CEO Shou Zi Chew has assured lawmakers of the company's investments in safeguarding young users on the platform.
As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome of this case could have significant implications for how social media platforms are held accountable for the content they host and its potential impact on vulnerable users, particularly minors.
