French families sue TikTok over teen self-harm and suicides

Sixteen French families have filed a complaint against TikTok for "exploitation of vulnerability," according to RFI English. The action represents the second major collective lawsuit by families whose children died by suicide or self-harm linked to the platform.

The complaint alleges that TikTok's algorithm amplifies harmful content targeted at at-risk minors, including self-injury videos and pro-suicide material. Families argue the platform knowingly profits from content that endangers children's mental health.

France has emerged as a regulatory frontline on social media safety, with courts and prosecutors increasingly scrutinizing platforms' duty of care toward minors. The litigation may influence EU Digital Services Act enforcement and content moderation standards.