Parents Who Lost Children to Suicide Sue TikTok for Encouraging Kids to Kill Themselves

The lawsuit is the first of its kind in Europe.

By
US Congress Targets TikTok for Ban, Citing National Security, ByteDance Faces Tight Deadline for Sale
Unsplash/Solen Feyissa

Several French families have launched a lawsuit against TikTok, claiming that the platform's algorithm exposed their teenaged kids to harmful content, contributing to two suicides, according to a report.

The lawsuit was filed by seven families, in Paris, France, at the Créteil judicial court, The Guardian reported.

They argue that TikTok prioritized videos promoting self-harm, eating disorders, and suicide, which deeply affected two 15-year-olds who took their lives.

"The parents want TikTok's legal liability to be recognised in court," Laure Boutron-Marmion, the lawyer representing the families, said. "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 is the first of its kind as a grouped lawsuit in Europe targeting the platform for its role in the mental health crisis among adolescents.

"We strongly disagree with these claims, many of which we believe to be inaccurate and misleading," a TikTok spokesperson said in response to the lawsuits.

Originally published by Latin Times

Tags
Lawsuit, France, Paris
Join the Discussion
More Trending News
Robert Paljusevic

Hospital Shooting Suspect Attacked Victim After Not Receiving Invite to His Father's Funeral: Police

Police vehicle lights

Michigan Hospital on Lockdown After Employee Open Fired on Colleague, Gunman Still at Large

Latea Hentz

Indiana Mom Broke 8th Grader's Nose During Confrontation About Him Bullying Her Son: Police

60th Golden Globes - Arrivals

Gene Hackman's Decision to Leave $80M to Wife, Who Died Week Before Him, Leaves Future of His Fortune Uncertain