French families sue TikTok, alleging teens exposed to harmful content

Seven French families have sued the social media platform TikTok, alleging that it exposed their teenage children to harmful videos that made two of them to commit suicide at the age of 15, according to their lawyer on Monday.

As per the lawsuit, TikTok's algorithm exposed the seven youngsters to content that advocated self-harm, suicide, and eating disorders, counsel Laure Boutron-Marmion told Franceinfo radio broadcaster.

The families have moved the Créteil judicial court. Boutron-Marmion said it was the first such grouped case in Europe.

"The parents want TikTok's legal liability to be recognised in court", she said, adding: "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, like other social media platforms, has long faced scrutiny over the policing of content on its app.

As with Meta's Facebook and Instagram, it faces hundreds of lawsuits in the US accusing them of enticing and addicting millions of children to their platforms, damaging their mental health.

TikTok could not immediately be reached for comment on the allegations.

The company has previously said it took issues that were linked to children's mental health seriously. CEO Shou Zi Chew this year told US lawmakers the company has invested in measures to protect young people who use the app.