Originating in Russia around 2013, the phenomenon involves an "administrator" or "curator" who assigns a participant .

Safety organizations like the Belgian Safer Internet Centre advise the following if you encounter these challenges:

: There are legitimate nature-themed games, such as Blue Whale Simulator on Google Play, where you play as a whale exploring the ocean. These are harmless entertainment and have no connection to the "challenge."

: Use the reporting tools on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook to flag harmful groups or accounts.

Understanding the "Balena Albastră" (Blue Whale) Phenomenon

If you find a file labeled "Balena Albastra" for download, it is highly likely to be one of the following:

: Tasks often start small (e.g., waking up at 4:20 AM or watching scary movies) but escalate to self-inflicted injury and culminate in a final demand for the participant to end their life.