What's happened
A U.S. appeals court has reinstated a lawsuit against TikTok after a mother claimed the platform's algorithm promoted a dangerous 'Blackout Challenge' that led to her daughter's death. The ruling challenges the protections typically afforded to social media companies under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Ars Technica, the appeals court's decision allows Tawainna Anderson to argue that TikTok's algorithm constitutes its own 'expressive activity,' which is not protected by Section 230. The New York Post emphasized that this ruling could lead to more lawsuits against tech companies, as it challenges their traditional legal shields. The Independent noted that TikTok's algorithm has been accused of promoting dangerous content, raising significant public safety concerns.
How we got here
The lawsuit stems from the tragic death of 10-year-old Nylah Anderson in December 2021, who died after participating in a viral choking challenge. Initially dismissed due to Section 230 protections, the case has now been revived by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals.
Common question
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Why Did Google Pause Human Image Generation?
Google's recent decision to pause its human image generation capabilities has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the ethical implications of AI technology. This move was prompted by backlash over inaccuracies in the AI's depictions, particularly concerning historical figures. As Google resumes this feature with new safeguards, many are left wondering about the implications for AI ethics and user experience.
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What is the TikTok lawsuit about and how could it impact social media?
A recent lawsuit against TikTok has raised significant questions about the platform's responsibility for user safety. Following the tragic death of a child linked to a viral challenge, this case could reshape how social media companies are held accountable for their algorithms. Here are some key questions surrounding this legal battle and its implications for the future of social media.
More on these topics
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TikTok/Douyin is a Chinese video-sharing social networking service owned by ByteDance, a Beijing-based Internet technology company founded in 2012 by Zhang Yiming.
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Patty Shwartz is a United States Circuit Judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
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The Blackout challenge is an internet challenge based around a choking game, intending to restrict breathing for a set duration of time. It gained widespread notoriety on TikTok in 2021, primarily among children. It has been compared to other online chall