As the July 4 holiday approached, a local news report in Alabama warned of a deadly TikTok challenge that involved jumping from a speeding boat.
“Last six months we have had four drownings that were easily avoidable,” Jim Dennis, captain of the Childersburg Rescue Team, told the local ABC affiliate station in Birmingham, Alabama, in a story that aired July 3. “They were doing a TikTok challenge.”
National and international news outlets snapped up the report, cautioning about the trend. But Alabama’s main public safety agency says while there have been boating fatalities this year, no such deaths have been reported. A spokesperson for TikTok also says no boat jumping challenge is trending on its platform.
Kiichiro Sato
FILE - The TikTok app logo appears in Tokyo, on Sept. 28, 2020. News outlets are warning of a deadly TikTok challenge that involves people jumping off speeding boats however, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency told The Associated Press it has investigated six boating and marine-related deaths this year and none were tied to TikTok trends. The social media company also said it has seen no such challenge on its platform. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, File)
Here’s a closer look at the facts.
CLAIM: Four people attempting a viral TikTok challenge have died jumping from moving boats in Alabama recently.
THE FACTS: The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency, which oversees the state’s public safety agencies, tweeted on Monday to dispel the viral rumors.
The agency said its Marine Patrol Division had “no records of boating or marine-related deaths that could be directly linked to TikTok or a trend on TikTok.”
It noted that one person was fatally injured after jumping from a moving boat in 2020 and a similar case happened in 2021, but that neither death was linked to TikTok.
In a follow up email to The Associated Press, the agency provided details about six water-related deaths marine patrol investigated so far this year. None of the incident reports mentions TikTok or any such challenge.
On July 8, for example, a 79-year-old man drowned after falling off his boat without a life vest while fishing overnight on a river. A day earlier, a 65-year-old man drowned after he got off a pontoon boat to help a dog in a lake.
The other fatalities included a 19-year-old who crashed his jet ski into a tree in May and a man who apparently drowned in January after the vessel he was on struck a bridge and capsized.
People magazine, the New York Post and a number of other major outlets that initially reported on the TikTok challenge deaths have since updated their stories to include the state’s response.
But social media users, in English and in Spanish, are still sharing the claims as accurate. Some even include videos purporting to show the victims.
“Police say at least 4 people have died doing the TikTok boat jumping challenge,” wrote one Twitter user in a widely shared post that included various video clips of people diving off moving boats. “When they jumped out of the boat, they literally broke their neck … instant death.”
Meanwhile Dennis, the local first responder quoted in the original story, walked back his comments after state officials weighed in this week.
He told AL.com, another local news outlet in Alabama, that his remarks during an interview about boating safety were taken out of context, but he maintained that his organization has responded to reports of people who jumped off boats this year.
“It got blown way out of proportion,” said Dennis, who didn’t respond to requests for additional comment this week.
The ABC affiliate in Birmingham also declined to comment, but in a story Monday about the state’s response, the station included Dennis’ full, unedited interview.
Ben Rathe, a spokesperson for TikTok, stressed “boat jumping” has never trended on platform, echoing a statement the company’s office in Mexico City previously provided in Spanish.
TikTok also said it does not comment on things that are “not part (of the platform) / are not trending on the platform.”
Like other social media companies, TikTok has seen any number of “challenges” go viral over the years, from the potentiallyhazardous and destructive to the outright criminal and deadly.
Elizabeth Losh, an American Studies professor at William & Mary, a university in Williamsburg, Virginia, who has studied TikTok trends, confirmed some posts featuring people jumping off boats are visible on the site — including one from 2019 with the hashtag #boatjumpchallenge — but don’t appear to be particularly viral or widespread.
She also noted TikTok has placed warning labels over some of the posts.
The social network’s community guidelines prohibit users from showing or promoting ” dangerous activities and challenges,” which includes “dares, games, tricks, inappropriate use of dangerous tools, eating substances that are harmful to one’s health, or similar activities that may lead to significant physical harm.”
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TikTok and other social media trends are thrusting performance crimes into the US spotlight
Wirestock Creators // Shutterstock
Dive into the wild world of the #KiaChallenge – where hot-wiring and car thefts run rampant. Will this Kia Challenge affect your car insurance premiums? If you are a proud owner of a Kia or Hyundai, you should listen up and grab a seat (preferably one with a seatbelt).
What is the Kia Challenge?
If you're like, "Huh? What's that?" don't feel bad because many are in the same boat. Some wild hot-wiring and car theft shenanigans are going on with Kia and Hyundai rides on TikTok.
It all started in 2021, when the "Kia Boyz" began taking advantage of a security flaw in some cars in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The Kia Challenge began when a video became popular in the summer of 2022. This led teens to steal certain Kia and Hyundai models, leaving them behind or destroying them. The video on the social media app TikTok shows how to take advantage of a design flaw in the car so that it can be stolen with just a USB cord and some knowledge.
This challenge was not a harmless joke and had a negative impact on people's lives. Even for those who didn't have their cars stolen, Way.com compiled information about how the challenge had the effect of higher auto insurance rates.
Wirestock Creators // Shutterstock
Dive into the wild world of the #KiaChallenge – where hot-wiring and car thefts run rampant. Will this Kia Challenge affect your car insurance premiums? If you are a proud owner of a Kia or Hyundai, you should listen up and grab a seat (preferably one with a seatbelt).
What is the Kia Challenge?
If you're like, "Huh? What's that?" don't feel bad because many are in the same boat. Some wild hot-wiring and car theft shenanigans are going on with Kia and Hyundai rides on TikTok.
It all started in 2021, when the "Kia Boyz" began taking advantage of a security flaw in some cars in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The Kia Challenge began when a video became popular in the summer of 2022. This led teens to steal certain Kia and Hyundai models, leaving them behind or destroying them. The video on the social media app TikTok shows how to take advantage of a design flaw in the car so that it can be stolen with just a USB cord and some knowledge.
This challenge was not a harmless joke and had a negative impact on people's lives. Even for those who didn't have their cars stolen, Way.com compiled information about how the challenge had the effect of higher auto insurance rates.
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TikTok and other social media trends are thrusting performance crimes into the US spotlight
Canva
It's been quite a nightmare for those who own these rides. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, around 8.3 million cars were at risk.
Kia and Hyundai are working on software updates to fix the problem, but the NHTSA warns that many of these cars are still in danger. So, if you own one of these cars, the Kia Challenge is still officially on. So be aware.
Kia and Hyundai thefts rise — cities report more than 100% rise in thefts
In the summer of 2022, when the Kia Challenge video started getting shared on video-sharing sites, thefts of certain Kia and Hyundai types outside of Wisconsin increased greatly. Since January 2022, cities nationwide have seen huge jumps in the number of stolen Kia and Hyundai cars, like a 484% rise in Columbus, Ohio, a 767% rise in Chicago, IL, and a 1300% rise in St. Paul, MN.
In Milwaukee, the number of stolen cars increased by 172% in 2021.
Canva
It's been quite a nightmare for those who own these rides. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, around 8.3 million cars were at risk.
Kia and Hyundai are working on software updates to fix the problem, but the NHTSA warns that many of these cars are still in danger. So, if you own one of these cars, the Kia Challenge is still officially on. So be aware.
Kia and Hyundai thefts rise — cities report more than 100% rise in thefts
In the summer of 2022, when the Kia Challenge video started getting shared on video-sharing sites, thefts of certain Kia and Hyundai types outside of Wisconsin increased greatly. Since January 2022, cities nationwide have seen huge jumps in the number of stolen Kia and Hyundai cars, like a 484% rise in Columbus, Ohio, a 767% rise in Chicago, IL, and a 1300% rise in St. Paul, MN.
In Milwaukee, the number of stolen cars increased by 172% in 2021.
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TikTok and other social media trends are thrusting performance crimes into the US spotlight
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The cars are easier to steal because the materials used to make some models between 2011 and 2021 were of lesser quality. Thieves are going after Hyundai cars made between 2015 and 2021.
Kia and Hyundai models dropped by insurers
Insurance companies can put cars on what is called a "blacklist." Pay attention if you drive a Kia or Hyundai car made between 2015 and 2021. This may affect you.
Insurance companies will no longer cover some models from Kia and Hyundai because they think they are too easy to steal.
This means that, based on where you live, you won't be able to get insurance for one of these models with these companies. If you already have a contract with one of these insurance companies, they may not renew it when the term ends.
Check below for the complete list of targeted cars:
- 2015-2021 Hyundai Accent (all body styles)
- 2015-2021 Hyundai Elantra (two-door and four-door)
- 2015-2021 Hyundai Kona
- 2015-2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2015-2021 Hyundai Tucson
- 2015-2018 Hyundai Veloster
- 2015-2021 Kia Forte
- 2015-2021 Kia Optima
- 2015-2016 Kia Optima Hybrid
- 2015-2021 Kia Rio (all body styles)
- 2015-2021 Kia Sedona
- 2015-2016 Kia Sorento
- 2015-2021 Kia Soul
- 2015-2021 Kia Sportage
Some model dates are unaffected because some had engine immobilizers built in when they came out. For example, the Kia Optima Hybrid got this option in 2016.
State Farm said that because these models were being stolen more often, it would no longer take applications from new customers in "some states." In the same way, Progressive's statement said that they had raised their rates and stopped selling new insurance policies for some of these models in some areas.
Canva
The cars are easier to steal because the materials used to make some models between 2011 and 2021 were of lesser quality. Thieves are going after Hyundai cars made between 2015 and 2021.
Kia and Hyundai models dropped by insurers
Insurance companies can put cars on what is called a "blacklist." Pay attention if you drive a Kia or Hyundai car made between 2015 and 2021. This may affect you.
Insurance companies will no longer cover some models from Kia and Hyundai because they think they are too easy to steal.
This means that, based on where you live, you won't be able to get insurance for one of these models with these companies. If you already have a contract with one of these insurance companies, they may not renew it when the term ends.
Check below for the complete list of targeted cars:
- 2015-2021 Hyundai Accent (all body styles)
- 2015-2021 Hyundai Elantra (two-door and four-door)
- 2015-2021 Hyundai Kona
- 2015-2021 Hyundai Santa Fe
- 2015-2021 Hyundai Tucson
- 2015-2018 Hyundai Veloster
- 2015-2021 Kia Forte
- 2015-2021 Kia Optima
- 2015-2016 Kia Optima Hybrid
- 2015-2021 Kia Rio (all body styles)
- 2015-2021 Kia Sedona
- 2015-2016 Kia Sorento
- 2015-2021 Kia Soul
- 2015-2021 Kia Sportage
Some model dates are unaffected because some had engine immobilizers built in when they came out. For example, the Kia Optima Hybrid got this option in 2016.
State Farm said that because these models were being stolen more often, it would no longer take applications from new customers in "some states." In the same way, Progressive's statement said that they had raised their rates and stopped selling new insurance policies for some of these models in some areas.
-
TikTok and other social media trends are thrusting performance crimes into the US spotlight
Canva
A rise in the number or frequency of claims can make it hard for a company to pay out claims if it keeps its rates the same to reflect the higher risk of loss. A rise in the cost or severity of claims can also put a lot of pressure on loss costs, which means that rates need to be changed to ensure that premiums are enough to cover future losses.
The Kia Challenge is happening during high external inflation. This could affect the industry's future rates.
What are carmakers doing about Kia and Hyundai Challenge?
If you drive one of the above cars, insurance isn't the only thing you must worry about. You'll also need to do things to keep your car safe. Hyundai said in a statement that they were making changes to the software. This is to make it harder to steal their cars. On February 14, 2023, Hyundai sent software changes to Elantras from 2017 to 2020, Sonatas from 2015 to 2019, and Venues from 2020 to 2021. Kia aimed to release their software updates by the end of February.
With the update, the car alarm will go off longer, and the key must be in the ignition switch for the car to start.
Hyundai has broadened a program that sends steering wheel locks that prevent theft to police stations so drivers can get them. If you drive one of these cars, you can check with the local police to see if that is a choice.
Bottom line
Ultimately, asking your insurance company is the best way to determine if you have been affected. If you already have a policy with one of these companies and drive one of the affected models, you can ask them if they plan to renew your insurance. If they tell you no, you can start planning to switch to a different carrier.
Kia Challenge is not just a car theft craze on TikTok. It's also got some serious butterfly effect-style ripple effects. The Kia Challenge isn't just a viral trend. Eventually, it's a real-life example of how one thing can lead to another. Eventually, before you know it, your insurance rates are through the roof.
This story was produced by Way.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media.
Canva
A rise in the number or frequency of claims can make it hard for a company to pay out claims if it keeps its rates the same to reflect the higher risk of loss. A rise in the cost or severity of claims can also put a lot of pressure on loss costs, which means that rates need to be changed to ensure that premiums are enough to cover future losses.
The Kia Challenge is happening during high external inflation. This could affect the industry's future rates.
What are carmakers doing about Kia and Hyundai Challenge?
If you drive one of the above cars, insurance isn't the only thing you must worry about. You'll also need to do things to keep your car safe. Hyundai said in a statement that they were making changes to the software. This is to make it harder to steal their cars. On February 14, 2023, Hyundai sent software changes to Elantras from 2017 to 2020, Sonatas from 2015 to 2019, and Venues from 2020 to 2021. Kia aimed to release their software updates by the end of February.
With the update, the car alarm will go off longer, and the key must be in the ignition switch for the car to start.
Hyundai has broadened a program that sends steering wheel locks that prevent theft to police stations so drivers can get them. If you drive one of these cars, you can check with the local police to see if that is a choice.
Bottom line
Ultimately, asking your insurance company is the best way to determine if you have been affected. If you already have a policy with one of these companies and drive one of the affected models, you can ask them if they plan to renew your insurance. If they tell you no, you can start planning to switch to a different carrier.
Kia Challenge is not just a car theft craze on TikTok. It's also got some serious butterfly effect-style ripple effects. The Kia Challenge isn't just a viral trend. Eventually, it's a real-life example of how one thing can lead to another. Eventually, before you know it, your insurance rates are through the roof.
This story was produced by Way.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media.
