Introduction: The Biggest Social Media Scandals of 2024
The year 2024 was packed with viral moments, controversies, and debates that dominated social media platforms. From celebrity feuds to corporate missteps, these scandals sparked discussions across the globe. Here’s a reverse countdown of the most shocking and talked-about social media scandals of 2024.
10. The AI-Generated Deepfake That Divided a Community
In January 2024, an audio clip allegedly featuring Eric Eiswert, principal of Pikesville High School in Maryland, making racist and antisemitic remarks went viral, igniting outrage in the diverse community of Pikesville. The clip appeared to capture Eiswert berating “ungrateful Black kids” and disparaging Jewish residents, prompting death threats and increased school security.
While many, including locals like Baltimore resident Alfie Malone, believed the audio reflected hidden truths about systemic issues, an investigation revealed otherwise. Education reporter Kristen Griffith uncovered that Eiswert and his representatives denied the allegations, claiming the clip was a deepfake. Despite skepticism from the public, Baltimore police confirmed in April that the recording was AI-generated.
The investigation traced the deepfake to Dazhon Darien, the school’s athletic director, who was under scrutiny for theft and facing non-renewal of his contract. Authorities alleged Darien used school computers to create the fake audio to discredit Eiswert. He was arrested while attempting to flee and now faces multiple charges, including theft and retaliation.
Though Eiswert was exonerated, the incident left lasting damage, highlighting the dangers of AI-driven misinformation and the importance of verifying content before sharing.
Source – BBC
9. The Unprecedented Tech Platform Data Breach
In what cybersecurity experts are calling the “Mother of All Breaches,” over 26 billion personal records were exposed in one of the largest data leaks in history. The breach affected major platforms, including Twitter, LinkedIn, and Dropbox, sparking widespread concerns about digital privacy and security.
Researchers from Security Discovery and CyberNews uncovered the breach when they found an unsecured database containing 12 terabytes of sensitive data. This database, left vulnerable without encryption or authentication, held billions of records, including email addresses, passwords, and social media profiles. Experts warn this trove of information could lead to identity theft, phishing scams, and unauthorized account access.
The data, aggregated from multiple sources, likely included information from past breaches combined with publicly available records. Platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn have issued statements pledging stronger security, but the scale of the leak underscores the risks of poor data protection practices.
Authorities are investigating the breach, but individuals are advised to act quickly by updating passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, and monitoring accounts for suspicious activity. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures and stricter regulations to protect personal information in today’s interconnected world.
TikTok influencer Amy Downs, known as “Slot_7.0” or “Slotmachinequeen,” was arrested in Athens, Alabama, after it was revealed that she had fraudulently solicited nearly $1 million in donations for a fake charity. Downs claimed her organization supported victims of domestic violence and the homeless, but investigations uncovered that no such charity existed. Between 2021 and 2024, she raised funds through PayPal, CashApp, and Venmo, presenting herself as a compassionate advocate. Her emotional appeals garnered donations from followers worldwide.
However, authorities found that Downs had deposited the funds into her personal bank account, and no charity was registered under her name. She had also not been employed since 2020. Downs even made public appearances, including a red carpet interview, to boost her credibility, earning a nomination for an award for influencers supporting good causes.
After the fraud was exposed, Downs was charged with charitable fraud and tax evasion, with a bond set at $1,125,000. Her TikTok account has since been deleted, leaving her followers in shock. This case highlights the importance of verifying charitable causes before donating online.
Source – WSFA
7. Nike and Sky Ads Banned Over Misleading Tactics
The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has banned ads from Nike and Sky for using misleading online tactics that could lead customers to spend more than intended.
Nike’s ad on social media promoted trainers for £26, accompanied by attention-grabbing emojis like an exploding head and black heart. However, the price applied only to children’s sizes (UK3 to UK6), not adult sizes. The ASA ruled that the ad misled customers into believing the discounted price applied to all sizes. Additionally, since children’s shoes are exempt from VAT, the perceived bargain was less significant than suggested. Nike defended itself by stating the ad was created by The Sole Supplier, an independent online marketplace, without its oversight.
Sky’s issue involved a free trial for its Now TV streaming service. Customers signing up were automatically enrolled in trials for Cinema and Boost services, which would auto-renew for a fee unless canceled within seven days. While the conditions were disclosed, the ASA found the information was in smaller text, less prominent colors, and placed below the “proceed” button, making it easy to overlook. Sky argued that its ad was clear and that free trial auto-renewals are widely understood, but the ASA disagreed.
The ASA’s action highlights its broader investigation into “dark pattern” tactics—design strategies that obscure pricing or add hidden fees, pressuring consumers into spending more. These tactics undermine transparency, prompting regulatory scrutiny to protect consumers.
Source – BBC
6. Twitter’s CEO Controversy
Elon Musk faced a significant setback in a court battle over his decision to terminate Twitter’s top executives following his acquisition of the company in 2022. A judge ruled on Friday that former CEO Parag Agrawal and other high-ranking officers could move forward with their claims that Musk fired them just before the deal closed, intentionally denying them severance pay. The ex-executives, who filed a complaint in March, pointed to a passage in Musk’s biography where he mentioned a “$200-million differential” in the deal, suggesting he aimed to avoid paying severance by rushing the acquisition process.
Agrawal, former legal head Vijaya Gadde, CFO Ned Segal, and general counsel Sean Edgett argue they are owed severance benefits, including one year’s salary and unvested stock options valued at the acquisition price. This ruling is part of ongoing litigation involving Musk’s handling of Twitter’s layoffs after he purchased the platform for $44 billion and rebranded it as X Corp. Musk’s legal team had tried to have the claims dismissed, but Judge Maxine Chesney rejected that request, allowing the lawsuits to proceed. This case follows other legal challenges over unpaid severance and employee compensation.
Source – Deccan Herald
5. TikTok’s Algorithm Under Fire
A Guardian Australia experiment revealed how TikTok’s algorithm can quickly funnel users into controversial and harmful content, even without direct interaction. In April, a new account was created with no prior data or activity. Initially, the app served generic content, but after a stabbing attack at a church in Sydney, TikTok began showing videos related to conservative Christian sermons. Over time, the algorithm intensified its focus, delivering increasingly extreme content, including pro-Trump, anti-immigrant, anti-LGBTQ, and disturbing videos promoting violence, like one suggesting drag queens be fed into a woodchipper.
Unlike other platforms like Facebook and Instagram, TikTok’s algorithm appears to be highly sensitive to even the smallest interactions, such as the amount of time spent watching a video. This led to a rapid escalation in the type of content shown. Experts argue that this design prioritizes engagement over responsible content moderation, often amplifying harmful views. The experiment highlights concerns over the lack of transparency in how these algorithms operate, with experts calling for more accountability to ensure social responsibility in the platforms’ content recommendations.
Source – The Guardian
4. Viral Challenge Leads to Tragedy
Viral social media challenges, often promoted on platforms like TikTok, can quickly escalate from harmless fun to dangerous acts with serious consequences. Challenges like the Tide Pod challenge, the “In My Feelings” car dance, and the choking game have led to injuries and even fatalities. As these trends spread, many wonder: Who is liable when something goes wrong?
Liability can be complex and involve multiple parties. Social media platforms like TikTok often avoid responsibility through user agreements that limit their liability for user-generated content, thanks to protections like the Communications Decency Act. However, the creators of dangerous challenges could be held accountable if they knowingly encourage harmful actions. Friends or spectators who assist or encourage participants might also share liability, especially if they are aware of the risks involved.
Legal defenses could include claims of “assumption of risk” if the participant understood the dangers. As these cases often involve numerous legal complexities, those injured in viral challenges are advised to seek expert legal counsel to navigate the intricacies of potential claims and defenses. The rapid spread of such challenges highlights the importance of responsibility and caution in the digital age.
Source – Enjuris
3. Mega-Corporation Faces Boycott Over Ads
MAGA-influencers on X have called for a boycott of Dunkin’ Donuts after Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski accused the company of refusing to advertise on the video platform due to its “right-wing culture.” Pavlovski shared a redacted email from Dunkin’ Donuts that allegedly stated the platform’s polarizing political stance made it unsuitable for the brand. Dunkin’ Donuts is owned by Inspire Brands, which also controls Arby’s and Sonic Drive-In.
Rumble, which hosts controversial figures like Alex Jones and Nick Fuentes, claims that advertisers have been coordinating to avoid the platform due to its association with right-wing content. The backlash against Dunkin’ Donuts quickly gained traction on social media, with influencers urging a boycott, invoking the “Bud Light treatment,” referencing the conservative boycott that hurt Bud Light’s sales following its partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney.
The boycott movement has gained significant attention, with several social media posts calling for Dunkin’ Donuts to suffer the same consequences as Bud Light for its alleged stance. As the controversy unfolds, the incident raises questions about the intersection of corporate advertising, political content, and consumer activism.
Source – Newsweek
2. Influencer Tax Fraud Exposed
A British court ruled on December 18, 2024, that police could seize over £2 million ($2.5 million) in unpaid taxes from influencers Andrew and Tristan Tate. The Devon and Cornwall Police had frozen seven bank accounts linked to the brothers and a woman identified only as “J.” The court found that their financial transactions, including transferring $12 million to an account in J’s name, were a “straightforward cheat” of tax authorities.
The Tates, who made millions from online businesses such as War Room, Hustlers’ University, Cobra Tate, and OnlyFans, were accused of failing to pay taxes on £21 million in revenue between 2014 and 2022. Andrew Tate had previously admitted in a video to refusing to pay taxes while living in England. Despite the Tates’ lawyer arguing the transfers were standard business practice, the court found sufficient evidence of tax evasion.
In addition to this case, the Tates are facing criminal charges in Romania, including human trafficking, and are set to be extradited to the UK for further allegations. The brothers deny all accusations, but the case has shed light on their controversial financial activities and public persona.
Source – The Hindu
1. Celebrity Feud Over Social Media Posts
As 2024 closes, Hollywood and the music industry have been rife with explosive celebrity feuds. One of the most notable clashes was between Taylor Swift and Kim Kardashian. The feud reignited when Sabrina Carpenter, a guest performer on Swift’s Eras Tour, appeared in a campaign for Kim Kardashian’s Skims. Given the long-standing tension between Swift and Kardashian, stemming from the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards incident involving Kanye West, fans were quick to take notice. Despite Carpenter clarifying that Swift supported her career move, Swift’s album The Tortured Poets Department seemed to hint at ongoing animosity, particularly with the track “Thank You Aimee,” which many speculated targeted Kardashian.
Other high-profile feuds included Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion, who exchanged diss tracks following Megan’s song “Hiss,” which referenced Minaj’s husband’s criminal past. Cardi B and Bia also clashed after Bia collaborated with Minaj, fueling a rivalry with fiery exchanges. Meanwhile, the rap world buzzed with tension between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, as their long-standing feud escalated with diss tracks and performances mocking one another. These feuds have kept fans on edge, wondering which will continue into the new year.
Source – Masala
What Do You Think?
The Biggest Social Media Scandals of 2024 not only shocked but also provided valuable lessons about accountability, authenticity, and the power of the digital space. Which scandal surprised you the most? Let us know in the comments below, and share your insights on how social media shapes modern discourse.
