Seven families in France are suing TikTok over harmful content that is linked to two teenagers’ suicides.
Laure Boutron-Marmion, a lawyer for the families, said the app’s algorithm exposed the children — all girls — to self-harm, eating disorders and suicide content.
Two of the children, both 15 years old, died by suicide. Four of the remaining five attempted suicide and one developed an eating disorder.
“The parents want TikTok’s legal liability to be recognized in court,” Boutron-Marmion told broadcaster 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.”
In a statement, the company said its rigorous content moderation blocked that type of content, which is also against its community guidelines.
TikTok is facing a number of legal problems in the United States, as well. The company could be banned in the country and is accused of violating a federal children’s privacy law. In October, attorneys general from 13 states, including New York and New Jersey, and D.C. sued TikTok, claiming it was “addictive” and not safe for young people.
CEO Shou Zi Chew told US lawmakers earlier this year the company had taken several steps to protect users’ mental health.