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Families Sue TikTok Over Blackout Challenge Deaths

1/20/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Six families filed a Delaware lawsuit against TikTok, alleging it promotes dangerous content to minors after Blackout Challenge deaths.
Michelle Ortiz, mother of a 2020 death victim, and Ellen Roome seek accountability.
TikTok argues privacy laws bar access to deceased data and cites First Amendment.
The case is ongoing, with a motion to dismiss set to be heard soon and TikTok claiming it relies on systems to remove harmful content.

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Story summary

Six families filed a Delaware lawsuit against TikTok, alleging it promotes dangerous content to minors after Blackout Challenge deaths.
Michelle Ortiz, mother of a 2020 death victim, and Ellen Roome seek accountability.
TikTok argues privacy laws bar access to deceased data and cites First Amendment.
The case is ongoing, with a motion to dismiss set to be heard soon and TikTok claiming it relies on systems to remove harmful content.