TikTok Blocks Searches for Dangerous Chromebook Challenge

TikTok is full of entertaining cat videos, humorous dances, and yes, even challenges -- the famed ice-bucket challenge has returned and is promoting mental-health support. But now a dangerous TikTok challenge is spreading through the short-form video app and through schools across the US. The Chromebook Challenge, named for Google's line of laptops, encourages students to insert metal items into the USB port on their school-issued computers, intending to create sparks, smoke and possibly a fire. A TikTok representative told NBC News that the challenge videos were showing up on other social media sites as well, and that TikTok has blocked search terms like "Chromebook challenge." When I tried searching for the phrase on May 9, no videos came up, and instead a safety warning appeared. "Some online challenges can be dangerous, disturbing, or even fabricated," it said. "Learn how to recognize harmful challenges so you can protect your health and well-being." When TikTok user search for ... Read full article.