Paris: Sixteen families filed Monday a collective complaint with the Paris prosecutor’s office against TikTok for alleged ‘abuse of weakness,’ broadcaster Franceinfo reported. The families, represented by lawyer Laure Boutron-Marmion, accuse the platform of exploiting the vulnerability of minors, in some cases allegedly contributing to suicides and severe mental health disorders.

According to Anadolu Agency, Boutron-Marmion described TikTok as a platform that exploits adolescent vulnerability through its design. ‘We have a machine designed, developed to exploit this vulnerability. TikTok creates mental prisons for adolescents, prisons of distress,’ she told Franceinfo. She likened the effects of TikTok to ‘digital crack,’ emphasizing the grave impact it has on young users.

The complaint is directed at TikTok executives both in France and internationally, arguing that the company is fully aware of how its recommendation algorithm operates. Boutron-Marmion noted that the system’s highly personalized recommendations and continuous scrolling generate strong addiction, exploiting adolescent vulnerability. ‘They know very well’ the effects of the platform but ‘do nothing,’ she added.

The families are seeking to bring TikTok before a French criminal court for abuse of weakness, in addition to ongoing civil proceedings. Boutron-Marmion stated, ‘They do not want to stop at a simple complaint.’ Some families involved have tragically lost children to suicide, while others report cases of anorexia, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

The complaint also advocates for tighter regulation of social media, including a potential ban for users under 15, an idea currently under discussion in France. TikTok has previously stated that it has implemented more than 50 safety features and tools for teenagers and continues to invest in age-appropriate and safe experiences for users.