TikTok’s Legal Shield Under Fire: Landmark Lawsuit Could Reshape Social Media Responsibility

A lawsuit against TikTok, stemming from the death of a young girl who died attempting a dangerous challenge found on the platform, is poised to significantly alter the legal landscape for social media giants. The case, which initially faced dismissal, is now being allowed to proceed by the US Court of Appeals, potentially challenging the long-held protections social media platforms have enjoyed under the Communications Decency Act of 1996. This legislation, originally meant to protect online services from liability for third-party content, is facing scrutiny as platforms increasingly use algorithms to curate what users see and interact with. If successful, the lawsuit could lead to a wave of similar cases against platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, forcing them to reassess their content moderation strategies and potentially face increased liability for the harmful content that appears on their platforms.