An outspoken critic of TikTok says it needs to take responsibility for harmful trends circulating on the app.

The parents of two children are suing the social media company after their kids died from taking part in the 'blackout challenge' – in which users choke themselves to the point of unconsciousness.

Socialike Chief Executive Alex Ford told Heather du Plessis-Allan its algorithms are designed to promote this type of content, which gets reactions on the platform.

“There’s an element where parents do need to hold responsibility and educate their children, but I don’t think we can really blame 8 or 9-year-old kids for doing these challenges.”

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