Seven French families have filed a court case against social media giant TikTok. Allegedly, TikTok’s algorithm showed their children harmful content, such as videos related to suicide promotion, self- harming behavior, and eating disorders. Similarly, the death of two teenagers is being blamed on TikTok. Both were 15 years old and committed suicide, said their lawyer Laure Butron- Marmion.
The families are jointly suing TikTok in the Creteil court. Butron- Marmion said it was the first such class action in Europe. These parents say that Tik Tok should be held legally responsible for providing its services.
Lawyer Butron- Marmion explained, “TikTok is a commercial company that is providing its product to minor users. Therefore, they should be responsible for the shortcomings of their product.” Questions have often been raised about content control on Tik Tok as well as other social media platforms.
META, which includes Facebook and Instagram, has hundreds of lawsuits filed against them in the US. They are accused of damaging the mental health of children by dragging them onto their platforms. Like Meta, Tik Tok has also been questioned about its impact on children’s mental health.
There is no response from Tik Tok on this matter yet. However, the company has previously said that it takes issues related to children’s mental health seriously. This year, TikTok CEO Sho Zee Chew told the US legislature that TikTok has taken some important steps to protect children.
Parents’ Outcry Against Tik Tok:-
Generally, the issue of controlling content on Tik Tok as well as other social media platforms is always discussed. In this case, according to the parents, TikTok’s artificial intelligence- based algorithm exposed their children to harmful and suicidal videos. These videos promote suicidal thoughts, self- injurious behavior as well as eating disorders in children.
Parents have focused on TikTok’s legal liability in this case. According to him, Tik Tok’s service is appealing to teenage users, and therefore Tik Tok needs to take care of the safety of its users.
Mental health issues on social media:-
Many studies have shown that children’s mental health is affected by social media platforms like Tik Tok. In the US, thousands of lawsuits have been filed against platforms such as Meta and TikTok, with parents alleging that the content on these platforms causes psychological distress to children. Against this backdrop, a group of parents has sought a court ruling to fix TikTok’s liability.
Many studies have shown that children’s mental health is affected by social media platforms like Tik Tok. In the US, thousands of lawsuits have been filed against platforms such as Meta and TikTok, with parents alleging that the content on these platforms causes psychological distress to children. Against this backdrop, a group of parents has demanded that the court order fix TikTok’s liability.
Attention Parents: Legal Liability of Tik Tok:-
Although Tik Tok has taken some steps to ensure the safety of minor users, this incident has raised questions about Tik Tok’s policies and its responsibility. The outcry from parents underscores the need for TikTok and its associated social media platforms to take responsibility for the effects on the mental health of teenage users and strengthen security measures.