French families sue TikTok over harmful content

Seven families in France have filed a lawsuit against TikTok, claiming that the platform exposed their children to harmful content that contributed to the deaths of two teenagers. The families allege that TikTok’s algorithm promoted material related to self-harm, eating disorders, and suicide, according to Laure Boutron-Marmion, the lawyer representing them. This case is reportedly the first of its kind in Europe.

In response to the allegations, TikTok stated that it had not yet received any formal notification regarding the lawsuit. The company emphasized that its community guidelines prohibit content that promotes or shares methods of self-harm or suicide. TikTok claims to utilize a mix of technology and human moderation to enforce these guidelines effectively.

The lawsuit has been filed in the Créteil judicial court and is distinct from a criminal complaint lodged last year by the parents of one of the deceased teens, referred to as Marie. Marie, who was 15 when she took her own life in 2021, is cited as having been affected by the unmoderated content available on TikTok. Her mother believes that the platform played a significant role in her daughter’s tragic decision.

Another young woman involved in the lawsuit also died by suicide, while four out of the five remaining plaintiffs attempted to take their own lives. At least one of these individuals developed an eating disorder as a consequence of the content encountered on the platform.

Ms. Boutron-Marmion expressed the families’ desire for TikTok to be held legally accountable. “The parents want TikTok’s legal liability to be recognized in court,” she stated in an interview with Franceinfo. “This is a commercial company offering a product to consumers who are, in addition, minors. They must therefore answer for the product’s shortcomings.”

TikTok is not the only social media platform facing scrutiny over its content and safeguarding practices. Recently, over a dozen states in the United States have filed lawsuits against the company, accusing it of contributing to a mental health crisis among teenagers. Additionally, the European Union has launched an investigation into TikTok to determine whether it violated new safety regulations designed to protect minors and other vulnerable users.

In April, Boutron-Marmion noted in an interview with Actu-Juridique that cases like that of Molly Russell—a British schoolgirl who took her own life in 2017 after encountering graphic self-harm and suicide images on platforms like Instagram and Pinterest—have heightened awareness of the need for greater accountability in social media content. “Parents are starting to wake up,” she observed, adding that many were previously unaware of the disturbing content circulating online.

Despite this growing awareness, Boutron-Marmion highlighted that the issue of addiction to social media persists, affecting both young users and adults alike. “While I have noticed a change in mentalities, the problem remains: addiction persists, including among adults,” she said.

The families involved in the lawsuit hope that their legal action will bring to light the responsibilities of social media platforms in protecting their young users. They argue that TikTok, as a commercial entity, has a duty to ensure that its content does not cause harm, particularly to minors who may be more vulnerable to its effects.

As the lawsuit unfolds, it underscores a broader movement toward accountability for social media companies in Europe and beyond. With increasing scrutiny from regulators, parents, and advocacy groups, the outcomes of such legal actions could set important precedents for how platforms manage content and protect their users.

If you or someone you know is struggling with issues related to mental health, resources are available. Websites and helplines can provide direct support, and it is crucial to reach out for help.