PARIS, Nov 5:
Online short form video sharing social networking service Tiktok has been taken to court by seven families in France who accused the media giant of exposing their children to disastrous content, compelling two to commit suicide.
The case alleges the video platform’s algorithm exposed them to content promoting self-harm, eating disorders and suicide, said Laure Boutron-Marmion, a lawyer for the families.
She informed French media that the lawsuit is first of its kind in Europe, according to BBC.
When contacted, TikTok dismissed claims that it has been served any such legal notice and highlighted that its community guidelines prohibit content promoting self-harm or suicide. It even argued it uses a combination of technology and moderation to ensure these standards are upheld.
The group lawsuit, which has been filed in the Cr?teil judicial court, is separate to a criminal complaint lodged against TikTok last year by the parents of 15 year old Marie, who killed herself, according to her mother, owing to the unmoderated content displayed on the site.
Another girl, whose family is involved in the lawsuit, also died by suicide, while four of the other five young women attempted to take their own lives. At least one of them had developed an eating disorder.
Boutron-Marmion told broadcaster Franceinfo, “The parents want TikTok’s legal liability to be recognised in court”.
“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 with other social networking sites has faced criticism and scrutiny worldwide over the mental draining it causes especially in case of the minors.
In the United States, over a dozen states have sued TikTok, alleging it contributes to a mental health crisis among teens. Similarly, the European Union has launched an investigation into TikTok’s compliance with safety laws aimed at protecting minors.
(UNI)
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