Delaware County mother suing TikTok after daughter dies from 'Blackout Challenge'

Tawainna Anderson and her attorneys announced a wrongful death lawsuit against the company Thursday in Center City Philadelphia.
Thursday, May 12, 2022
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The mother of a 10-year-old Delaware County, Pennsylvania girl who died from a social media challenge is now suing TikTok.

Tawainna Anderson and her attorneys announced a wrongful death lawsuit against the company Thursday in Center City Philadelphia.
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Anderson's daughter Nylah died last December after taking part in the "Blackout Challenge."

The challenge calls for people to attempt to hold their breath until they pass out.

Her mother says a change is needed.

"It is time that these dangerous challenges come to an end, that other families don't experience the heartbreak we have every day," said Anderson.
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Anderson's attorneys say they want to learn how TikTok's algorithm targets children and stop it.



TikTok responded to the lawsuit and says the trend pre-dates its platform and has never been a TikTok trend.

The company added it remains vigilant about user safety and would immediately remove any related content.
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