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Based on a recent report carried out by a human rights organization, TikTok's algorithm repeatedly suggests pornography and inappropriate content to profiles registered for children.

Investigators set up simulated child accounts and enabled safety features, yet still received sexually explicit recommended terms.

These recommended search terms led to sexualized material containing explicit footage depicting penetrative sex.

TikTok asserts it is committed to providing secure and age-appropriate content for users and implemented immediate action after the problem was identified.

Research Methodology

In the summer months, investigators from an advocacy organization created four fake TikTok accounts posing as young teenagers.

They used false birthdates and did not need to provide further verification information.

Inappropriate Content Discovered

Researchers additionally enabled TikTok's "safety mode", a feature that allegedly prevents access to "mature or complex topics, such as sexually suggestive material".

Without conducting specific queries, researchers found explicit suggestions appearing in the "you may like" area of the app.

These terms directed users to videos featuring individuals simulating sexual acts.

Additional content displayed people flashing lingerie in public settings or revealing private body parts.

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

These videos were embedded within seemingly harmless content in an apparent strategy to evade platform filters.

A representative from the research organization stated that the findings came as a "major surprise" to the team.

"The platform isn't just unable to stop children from viewing inappropriate content – but it's also suggesting it to them immediately after they join the platform."

Platform Response

When notified of the issue, TikTok said it had implemented immediate action to address the problem.

Yet, when the testing was repeated in late July and August, the organization found that the app was once again suggesting explicit material.

The company states it has more than 50 features designed to keep teens secure: "We are fully committed to providing secure and age-appropriate content."

TikTok asserts it takes down nine out of 10 videos that violate its guidelines before they are even viewed.

Upon receiving notification of the research, the platform stated it took action to "delete content that violated our policies and implement improvements to our recommendation feature."

Regulatory Framework

On 25 July recently, the Online Safety Act's Children's Codes came into force, establishing a obligation to safeguard children online.

Social media companies currently must use "advanced age assurance" to prevent minors from viewing adult content. Additionally, they need to adjust their algorithms to filter material which encourages self-harm, suicide or eating disorders.

Investigators conducted its follow-up study following the new regulations came into force.

A representative from the group commented: "Everyone concurs that we should keep children safe on the internet… At this point the moment has come for regulators to intervene."

During their investigation, the team additionally observed the response of additional account holders to the sexualized search terms they had been recommended.

An account holder wrote: "can someone explain to me what's happening with my search recs please?"

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