Court Sides With TikTok and YouTube in Moms’ Lawsuit Over ‘Choking Challenges’

A federal judge dismissed all claims against the two video platforms, citing Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.

Joann Bogard, mother of an internet challenge victim, Mason Bogard, speaks during a rally to hold tech and social media companies accountable for taking steps to protect kids and teens online, in Washington on Jan. 31, 2024. Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Accountable Tech

A federal court on Feb. 24 dismissed a lawsuit brought by a group of mothers who claimed TikTok and YouTube bore legal responsibility for allegedly dangerous “choking challenges” and other harmful content posted by third parties on the platforms.

According to an order filed in the Northern District of California, the court granted the companies’ motion to dismiss, giving the moms a chance to amend their complaint but barring nearly every aspect of their initial claims.