Technology & Innovation

Author: anonymDate: 2024-11-20 18:21:21

French court action targets TikTok for allegedly harmful content linked to teen deaths

TikTok, like other social media platforms, has long faced scrutiny over the policing of content on its app

A legal challenge has been initiated against TikTok by seven French families. Their claim centers on the assertion that the platform's content, specifically algorithms exposing their teenage children to material promoting suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders, resulted in the deaths by suicide of two 15-year-olds. This information was provided by their attorney, Laure Boutron-Marmion, on Monday to franceinfo. The families are pursuing a consolidated case in Créteil court, a legal precedent in Europe, according to Boutron-Marmion.

The objective of the parents, according to Boutron-Marmion, is to establish TikTok's culpability. She emphasizes TikTok's commercial responsibility for the product it provides to consumers, including minors, and that it should bear responsibility for its shortcomings. TikTok, alongside other social media entities, has faced considerable criticism concerning content moderation. Similar to Meta's Facebook and Instagram, it confronts numerous US lawsuits alleging the platforms' addictive nature and harmful impact on children's well-being. TikTok hasn't yet responded to requests for comment, although the company has previously affirmed its commitment to addressing issues impacting children's mental health. CEO Shou Zi Chew recently assured US legislators of investments in safeguarding young users.