A US court has filed a lawsuit against TikTok, holding the social media platform accountable for the death of a 10-year-old girl. The lawsuit, brought by the girl’s mother, alleges that TikTok recommended a dangerous ‘Blackout Challenge’ to the girl, resulting in her tragic death. The court asserted that the platform’s algorithm played a significant role in suggesting the harmful challenge, stripping away the legal protection typically enjoyed by internet companies for user-generated content. This ruling marks a significant shift in holding social media platforms responsible for algorithmic recommendations.
In a separate ruling, the Supreme Court concluded that TikTok’s algorithm reflects the company’s editorial judgments, making it liable for the content it suggests to users. Nepal recently lifted its ban on TikTok, but the US Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against the platform and parent company Byte Dance for violating children’s privacy laws. The case highlights the growing scrutiny on social media platforms and their accountability in protecting users, especially minors.
Published 29 August 2024, 07:01 IST