Seven families in France have initiated legal action against TikTok, alleging that the social media platform has exposed their children to detrimental content, which they claim contributed to the suicides of two individuals. The lawsuit contends that the platform’s algorithm directed users towards material that encourages self-harm, eating disorders, and suicide, as stated by Laure Boutron-Marmion, the families’ attorney. She informed French media that this lawsuit represents a pioneering case of its nature in Europe.
TikTok, recognized as one of the leading social media platforms globally, has indicated that it has not been formally notified of any legal actions concerning these allegations. The company emphasized in a statement that its community guidelines prohibit the display, promotion, or dissemination of content related to suicide or self-harm, and it employs a blend of technology and moderation to maintain these standards.
The collective lawsuit has been lodged in the Créteil judicial court and is distinct from a criminal complaint that was filed against TikTok last year by the parents of Marie, one of the teenagers who tragically took her own life. Marie, whose last name has not been disclosed in reports, was 15 years old at the time of her death in 2021. Her mother asserts that Marie’s access to unmoderated video content on TikTok played a significant role in her decision to end her life. Another girl involved in the lawsuit also died by suicide, while four of the remaining five young women made attempts on their lives, with at least one developing an eating disorder.
The parents seek to have TikTok’s legal responsibility acknowledged in court, Ms. Boutron-Marmion informed the broadcaster Franceinfo.”This is a commercial entity providing a product to consumers, who are predominantly minors. Consequently, they must be held accountable for the deficiencies of their product.”TikTok, similar to other prominent social media platforms, has been subjected to scrutiny and criticism regarding its safeguarding measures.
Recently, over a dozen states in the United States have filed lawsuits against the company, alleging that it has contributed to a mental health crisis among adolescents.
Last year, the European Union initiated an investigation to determine whether TikTok had violated new safety regulations concerning the protection of minors, among other issues.
In an interview conducted in April, Ms. Boutron-Marmion expressed to the French legal news outlet Actu-Juridique that cases like that of Molly Russell, the British schoolgirl who tragically took her own life in 2017 after encountering distressing images of self-harm and suicide on Instagram and Pinterest, have heightened awareness regarding the necessity for increased accountability in social media content.
“Parents are beginning to realize the situation. Many were previously unaware of the disturbing content circulating on these platforms. While I have observed a shift in attitudes, the underlying issue remains: addiction continues to be a problem, even among adults.”
