Summary
The parents of four British teenagers are suing TikTok, alleging that its algorithm promoted the deadly “blackout challenge,” leading to their children’s deaths in 2022.
The lawsuit, filed by the Social Media Victims Law Center, claims TikTok deliberately pushed dangerous content to maximize engagement.
The case follows similar lawsuits and renewed scrutiny of social media’s role in child safety.
New UK laws now require platforms to prevent children from accessing harmful challenge videos.
I’d agree if not for the fact that TikTok knowingly choses to use an algorithm that promotes stuff like this. In the same way, if someone was putting up bilboards suggesting mixing cleaning chemicals, or if someone was taking out TV ads promoting violence, sure, the responsibility might not only be on them, but they knowingly chose to take part.
Edit: forgot the word mixing