Four British families have launched a lawsuit against social media giant TikTok, alleging the platform's role in the deaths of their children who reportedly participated in a dangerous viral trend in 2022.
The parents of Isaac Kenevan (13), Archie Battersbee (12), Julian "Jools" Sweeney (14), and Maia Walsh (13) filed the complaint in Delaware through the Social Media Victims Law Center. They claim their children died while attempting the "blackout challenge" that circulated on the platform.
Speaking in a group interview with BBC One's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, the bereaved parents expressed their frustration with TikTok's response. Lisa Kenevan, Isaac's mother, accused the company of violating their own guidelines, while Hollie Dance described receiving "the same corporate statement" lacking any genuine compassion.
The lawsuit alleges that ByteDance, TikTok's parent company, deliberately engineered an addictive platform that pushed children toward maximizing engagement "by any means necessary." The families argue that the platform exposed their children to harmful content they hadn't sought out.
Ellen Roome, Jools' mother, has been fighting for legislation to allow parents access to their deceased children's social media accounts. She seeks data from TikTok that could shed light on her son's death.
Liam Walsh, Maia's father, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the UK's Online Safety Act, set to launch this spring. "I don't think it's baring its teeth enough," he stated, citing his two-and-a-half-year wait for answers.
In response, TikTok maintains that it prohibits dangerous content and challenges on its platform. The company says it blocks searches related to the challenge in question, a policy implemented since 2020. TikTok claims it proactively removes 99% of rule-breaking content before it's reported.
The platform states it must delete personal data unless requested by law enforcement beforehand, though it confirms having met with Ellen Roome to discuss her case.
As the legal battle unfolds, these families remain united in their quest for accountability and transparency from the social media giant, seeking answers about their children's final moments.