A class-action lawsuit is being filed against TikTok following a series of teenage suicides.

Sixteen families filed a class-action lawsuit against TikTok with the Paris prosecutor's office on Monday, accusing the platform of having psychologically harmed several minors through its recommendation system. The plaintiffs allege, in particular, a possible "abuse of vulnerability," arguing that the social network's algorithm promotes repeated exposure to content related to depression, eating disorders, or suicidal thoughts.

In total, thirty-nine people have joined the legal action brought by the "Algos Victima" collective. Five families claim to have lost a daughter to suicide, while others report cases of anorexia, severe depression, or self-destructive behavior in their children. The parents denounce teenagers who are increasingly trapped in streams of ever more anxiety-inducing or dangerous videos.

Social media algorithms at the heart of the accusations

According to lawyer Laure Boutron-Marmion, who represents the families, TikTok has exacerbated the psychological vulnerability of some young users through its content personalization system. Several testimonies describe teenagers repeatedly exposed to videos glorifying extreme thinness, self-harm, or psychological distress.

This complaint comes amid increased scrutiny of major digital platforms. In October 2025, the Paris prosecutor's office had already opened an investigation targeting the Chinese social network regarding the potential dissemination of content related to suicide among minors. For several years, social networks have been regularly accused of fostering addiction, particularly among teenagers.

TikTok did not immediately respond after the complaint was filed. However, the proceedings could reignite the debate on the legal responsibility of platforms and the role of algorithms in the mental health of young users, at a time when several countries are considering stricter regulations for social media.