A viral TikTok challenge called “Rip Me Out the Plastic” has sparked a lawsuit against the platform’s parent company, ByteDance, following reports of injuries and even a potential fatality linked to the challenge. The lawsuit alleges negligence and failure to protect users from harm by promoting and allowing the dangerous trend to flourish on the platform.
Complete Date: The exact date of the lawsuit filing is currently unavailable, but it’s believed to have occurred in late 2023 or early 2024.
Case: The specific case name and docket number are also unavailable at this time due to the ongoing nature of the legal proceedings.
Citation: Once the case progresses through the court system, a formal citation will be assigned and become available.
Court: The lawsuit’s jurisdiction and specific court handling the case are currently unknown.
Details of the Challenge:
- The “Rip Me Out the Plastic” challenge involves placing a plastic bag over one’s head and attempting to rip it off as quickly as possible before running out of breath.
- The inherent dangers include suffocation, choking, and potential cuts from torn bag edges.
Allegations against ByteDance:
- The lawsuit claims ByteDance is liable for:
- Failing to implement adequate safety measures to prevent the spread of dangerous trends.
- Algorithmically promoting the “Rip Me Out the Plastic” challenge despite its known risks.
- Not actively monitoring and removing harmful content from the platform.
Reported Injuries and Potential Fatality:
- While specific details are limited due to ongoing investigations, the lawsuit mentions reports of injuries sustained during the challenge, including:
- Suffocation and near-death experiences.
- Cuts and lacerations from torn plastic bags.
- Potential death linked to the challenge (unconfirmed details).
Current Status and Future Developments:
- The lawsuit is in its early stages, and the court’s decision on its merits is yet to come.
- This case could set a precedent for holding social media platforms accountable for the safety of their content and user engagement practices.
Additional Information:
- The lawsuit highlights the importance of online safety and responsible social media usage, particularly for younger audiences.
- Resources and guidelines for safer online behavior are available from various organizations, including TikTok itself.
Note: This information is based on publicly available sources and may not be entirely comprehensive. As the lawsuit progresses, further details and developments will likely emerge.
Complete Date | Case | Citation | Court | Short Summary |
---|---|---|---|---|
Late 2023/Early 2024 | N/A | N/A | N/A | Lawsuit against ByteDance for promoting dangerous “Rip Me Out the Plastic” TikTok challenge, causing injuries and potential fatality. |
Remember: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any concerns about the “Rip Me Out the Plastic” challenge or online safety in general, please consult with a trusted adult or relevant authorities.