Tiktok Blackout Challenge Deaths: A U.S. court has ruled that a lawsuit against TikTok can proceed, following the tragic death of a 10-year-old girl from Pennsylvania. The case centers around the “Blackout Challenge,” a dangerous viral trend that was circulating on the app. The challenge encouraged people, particularly children, to choke themselves until they passed out. This challenge has been linked to several deaths, including that of Nylah Anderson, who died in December 2021.
The Tragic Incident
Nylah Anderson, a bright and active 10-year-old, tragically lost her life after attempting the “Blackout Challenge.” On December 7, 2021, Nylah tried the challenge after seeing it on her “For You” page on TikTok. The video was recommended to her by TikTok’s algorithm, which the lawsuit claims specifically targeted her with this dangerous content.
According to court records, Nylah attempted the challenge in her mother’s bedroom closet. She passed out and was later found unresponsive by her mother. Despite being rushed to the hospital and receiving treatment for several days, Nylah passed away on December 12, 2021.
Nylah’s mother, Tawainna Anderson, described her daughter as a happy and intelligent child who spoke three languages. The pain and suffering Nylah endured in her final moments were described as horrific in the lawsuit.
The Lawsuit Against TikTok
In 2022, Tawainna Anderson filed a lawsuit against TikTok, claiming that the app’s algorithm was responsible for promoting the dangerous challenge to her daughter. The lawsuit argues that TikTok’s algorithm targeted Nylah in a way that was both dangerous and irresponsible. It claims that TikTok was aware of the dangers of the “Blackout Challenge” and still allowed it to be shown to children.
The lawsuit also points out that other children had died from attempting the same challenge, making it clear that TikTok was aware of the risks. Despite this knowledge, the lawsuit alleges that TikTok’s algorithm continued to promote the challenge, leading to Nylah’s death.
TikTok’s Response
TikTok has denied that the “Blackout Challenge” was a trend on its platform. In a statement to McClatchy News in 2022, TikTok claimed that the challenge predated the platform and that the company remains committed to user safety. TikTok’s website states that content likely to cause harm is not eligible to appear on the “For You” page and that dangerous activities and challenges are not allowed.
TikTok has also expressed its sympathies to Nylah’s family but maintains that the “Blackout Challenge” was not a TikTok trend. Despite this, the lawsuit contends that TikTok’s algorithm specifically recommended the challenge to Nylah, leading to her death.
Court Ruling and Legal Implications
Initially, the lawsuit was dismissed by a district court, which ruled that TikTok was protected by Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996. This law generally shields online platforms from being held liable for content posted by users.
However, on August 27, 2023, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania ruled that the lawsuit could proceed. The appeals court reversed the earlier decision, stating that while TikTok may not be responsible for the existence of harmful content on its platform, it could be held liable for how its algorithm promotes such content. The court argued that TikTok’s algorithmic recommendations could be considered a form of “knowing distribution” of harmful content.
This ruling is significant because it challenges the broad protections that social media companies have enjoyed under Section 230. If the lawsuit is successful, it could lead to more accountability for platforms like TikTok, particularly in how they promote content to users, especially children.
Moving Forward
As the lawsuit progresses, it will be closely watched by legal experts, social media companies, and concerned parents. The outcome could set a new precedent for how social media platforms are held accountable for the content they promote. It also raises important questions about the responsibilities of these platforms in protecting young users from dangerous content.
For now, the focus remains on the tragic loss of Nylah Anderson and the ongoing efforts by her family to seek justice. The case serves as a powerful reminder of the potential dangers lurking on social media platforms and the need for greater protection for vulnerable users.
