TikTok Is Being Sued By Parents Who Say Dangerous ‘Challenge’ Caused Their Two Daughters’ Deaths

A US couple is currently suing TikTok, alleging the platform directed them to content that ultimately led to their young children’s deaths.

— Content warning: This article mentions acts of self-harm. — 

The two girls were just eight and nine when they viewed a ‘Black Out Challenge’ video on the social media app, before dying shortly thereafter, reports the New York Times.

TikTok’s ‘Black Out Challenge’ encourages users to deprive themselves of oxygen until they pass out — and any activity that denies the brain of oxygen can lead to the death of brain cells, leading to permanent loss of brain function, mental disability, or death.

The parents claim that TikTok’s algorithm intentionally exposed the children to the dangerous content, and therefore must take responsibility for the deaths.

In particular, the parents single out the app’s ‘For You’ page, which shows users a selection of videos based on a user’s demographic and prior activity on the app.

This isn’t the first time that a child has died after being exposed to a TikTok video — seven months ago, 10-year-old Nylah Anderson was unable to be revived after attempting the ‘challenge’ in her bedroom, and 12-year-old Joshua Haileyesus died under similar circumstances just four months ago.

A spokesperson for TikTok told the New York Times that they could not comment on a matter that was before a court. Instead, they referred reporters to the statement they made after Nylah Anderson’s death in December.

“This disturbing ‘challenge’, which people seem to learn about from sources other than TikTok, long predates our platform and has never been a TikTok trend,” reads the statement.

“We remain vigilant in our commitment to user safety and would immediately remove related content if found. Our deepest sympathies go out to the family for their tragic loss.”

Do not attempt this challenge.