Teen’s fatal subway surfing.On the anniversary of her son Zackery Nazario’s subway surfing death, Norma Nazario sued in Manhattan Supreme Court.
The complaint claims TikTok and Instagram “goaded” Zackery into the dangerous prank by suggesting footage of toddlers surfing trains.
The suit also accuses the MTA of failing to establish safety measures to prevent such tragedies.
Norma Nazario stated her desire to seek justice and hold the MTA and social media platforms accountable for her son’s death.
“They could give me a billion dollars, and I’m not going to stop.” Norita Nazario
Union Square Clinton School 10th grader Zackery Nazario died after undertaking the viral “Subway Surfing Challenge.”
Zackery received a challenge video before climbing on a Brooklyn-bound train, where he died, according to the lawsuit.
Representing the Nazario family, Matthew Bergman, co-founder of the Social Media Victims Law Center, stressed that social media platforms are designed to attract and engage young users.
With at least five subway surfing deaths in 2023, Zackery’s tragedy highlights a worrying trend.
Subway surfing incidences continue despite public awareness campaigns, prompting calls for improved safety and parental vigilance.
The MTA advised parents to warn their children about subway surfing.
Meta-owned TikTok and Instagram have not responded to the case, raising questions about their role in preventing damaging trends.
She continues to fight for justice, highlighting her desire to hold strong businesses accountable.
The lawsuit highlights social media responsibilities and the risks of viral challenges that harm lives.
The lawsuit’s conclusion may affect social media platforms’ role in promoting safe online behavior.
Norma Nazario’s case against TikTok, Instagram, and the MTA shows how social media affects behavior, especially young users. The terrible death of Zackery Nazario highlights the risks of viral issues and trends on social media.
TikTok and Instagram’s recommendation algorithms allegedly pushed subway surfing and other unsafe activities to Zackery and other users, according to the lawsuit. By promoting such content, these platforms normalized harmful behaviors, putting impressionable people at risk.
Nazario’s legal team argues that TikTok and Instagram should be held accountable for developing addictive features that encourage dangerous behavior, despite their assertions of immunity under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act.
Matthew Bergman, co-founder of the Social Media Victims Law Center, underlines social media platforms’ intentional design to grab and hold users’ attention at the price of their safety and well-being. The case challenges the idea that internet businesses can avoid liability for product harm.
The complaint accuses the MTA of failing to prevent subway surfing. Subway surfing continues to k**l and injure people despite repeated warnings.
Many families touched by social media influence share Norma Nazario’s determination to seek justice for her son. Parents and advocates who want more online platform control support her accountability call.
As the case progresses, it raises questions about business responsibility, user safety, and the necessity for social media viral challenges and trends regulation.
Norma Nazario’s determination to hold TikTok, Instagram, and the MTA accountable despite big corporations and legal intricacies highlights the necessity to prioritize user safety and well-being in the digital age.
The case might change social media rules and tech corporations’ duty to protect users.
The terrible death of Zackery Nazario reminds the public of the human cost of unrestrained social media impact and the urgent need to prevent future catastrophes.
