🔗 Share this article

According to an investigative report carried out by an advocacy organization, the popular app's algorithm consistently recommends pornography and highly sexualized content to accounts registered for minors.

Researchers established mock child accounts and enabled parental control features, yet nonetheless encountered inappropriate search suggestions.

These suggested search terms directed users to explicit content featuring explicit footage displaying penetrative sex.

TikTok has stated it is focused on ensuring safe and suitable experiences for users and implemented prompt measures once the issue was identified.

Investigation Methodology

In late July and early August, researchers representing a campaign group created several fake TikTok accounts posing as young teenagers.

The accounts featured false birthdates and were not provide any additional verification information.

Inappropriate Content Found

Researchers also enabled the platform's "restricted mode", which reportedly blocks exposure to "mature or complex topics, including inappropriate material".

Without conducting specific queries, investigators found explicit search terms showing up in the "you may like" area of the app.

These suggestions led to content featuring individuals simulating sexual acts.

Other videos displayed people flashing their underwear in public settings or exposing private body parts.

At its most extreme, the material featured graphic adult videos of penetrative sex.

This content were embedded within other harmless content in an apparent strategy to evade content moderation.

A representative from the advocacy organization stated that the findings came as a "huge shock" to the team.

"TikTok isn't just unable to stop minors from accessing harmful content – it's actively recommending it to them immediately after they join the platform."

Platform Response

After notified of the issue, TikTok said it had taken swift measures to resolve the problem.

Yet, when the research was repeated in late July and August, the organization observed that the app was once again recommending sexual content.

The company says it incorporates over 50 tools designed to protect teens secure: "We are dedicated to delivering safe and suitable experiences."

The app asserts it removes nine out of 10 videos that violate its policies before they are even seen.

After being informed of the findings, TikTok says it acted to "delete videos that breached our rules and implement improvements to our search suggestion system."

Regulatory Context

On 25 July this year, the new digital safety safeguarding regulations came into force, establishing a legal duty to safeguard children online.

Social media companies currently must use "advanced verification" to stop minors from accessing adult content. Additionally, they need to adjust their recommendation systems to block content which promotes self-harm, suicidal ideation or disordered eating.

The research group carried out its second research project following the Children's Codes came into force.

A representative from the organization stated: "All parties concurs that we should keep minors protected on the internet… Now it's time for authorities to intervene."

During their work, researchers also noted the reaction of additional account holders to the sexualized search terms they had been recommended.

An account holder wrote: "could anyone clarify to me what's happening w my search recs pls?"

Another asked: "what's wrong with the platform?"