A 16-year-old girl in France died after attempting the viral "Scarf Game" on TikTok, a version of the "Blackout Challenge" that claimed the lives of many people last year.
Christy Chibale Dominque Glayor Gayle, a native of Congo, was at home when she tried the dangerous game, which involved tying a clothing item around her neck in a chokehold until she fainted.
Gayle's death is now among other dangerous trends that are common on the popular video platform.
TikTok has taken precautionary measures on its platform
Meanwhile, TikTok has taken steps to remove search results related to the term and added a warning message stating that the expression may "encourage behavior that violates our community guidelines."
Last summer, girls around Gayle's age (between 12-14) in Argentina and Britain also died from the life-threatening prank designed to garner attention and followers on the platform. TikTok is facing a lawsuit in the United States after two girls from California hanged themselves when attempting the "Blackout Challenge' and watching related videos on TikTok.
The New York Post, which reported on the incident, reached out to TikTok for a response, but the company declined to comment.
However, sources within the company unofficially stated that TikTok is not responsible and that deaths resulting from "Fainting Games" created by young people occurred even before the platform's existence.
Furthermore, all "Scarf Game" videos have since been deleted from TikTok and when searching for the "Scarf Game," a message with explanations about the dangers of the challenge is displayed.