🔗 Share this article

According to a recent investigation, TikTok has been observed to steer profiles of minors to pornographic content within a small number of clicks.

Testing Approach

Global Witness established test accounts using a birthdate of a 13-year-old and turned on the app's "restricted mode", which is meant to reduce exposure to inappropriate content.

Study authors found that TikTok suggested inappropriate and adult-themed search terms to the simulated accounts that were established on unused smartphones with no search history.

Alarming Recommendation Features

Search phrases suggested under the "you may like" feature included "very very rude skimpy outfits" and "inappropriate female imagery" – and then progressed to terms such as "graphic sexual content".

Regarding three of the accounts, the inappropriate search terms were suggested immediately.

Quick Path to Pornography

Following just a few taps, the investigators encountered pornographic content from women flashing to penetrative sex.

The research group claimed that the content sought to avoid detection, usually by presenting the content within an innocuous picture or video.

Regarding one profile, the process took two taps after signing in: one click on the search bar and then one on the recommended term.

Compliance Requirements

Global Witness, whose remit includes researching big tech's impact on human rights, reported performing two batches of tests.

Initial tests occurred preceding the enforcement of minor safety measures under the United Kingdom's digital protection law on the 25th of July, and a second set after the measures took effect.

Serious Findings

The organization added that several pieces of content included someone who looked like they were a minor and had been reported to the online safety group, which tracks exploitative content.

Global Witness asserted that the social media app was in non-compliance of the digital protection law, which mandates tech companies to block children from accessing dangerous material such as adult material.

Government Position

A communications officer for Ofcom, which is tasked with overseeing the legislation, stated: "We value the research behind this study and will analyze its conclusions."

Official requirements for complying with the act specify that digital platforms that present a substantial threat of presenting inappropriate videos must "configure their algorithms to block dangerous material from children's feeds.

The platform's rules forbid adult videos.

Platform Response

TikTok announced that following notification from Global Witness, it had taken down the offending videos and made changes to its search recommendations.

"Upon learning of these allegations, we acted promptly to examine the issue, remove content that breached our guidelines, and introduce upgrades to our search suggestion feature," stated a spokesperson.