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According to a new study, TikTok has been observed to steer profiles of minors to explicit material within a small number of clicks.

How the Study Was Conducted

Global Witness set up simulated profiles using a birthdate of a 13-year-old and turned on the "restricted mode" setting, which is meant to reduce exposure to inappropriate content.

Researchers observed that TikTok proposed sexually charged search terms to seven test accounts that were set up on new devices with no prior browsing data.

Alarming Recommendation Features

The terms recommended under the "suggested searches" feature contained "very very rude skimpy outfits" and "explicit content featuring women" – and then progressed to terms such as "graphic sexual content".

Regarding three of the accounts, the sexualized searches were suggested immediately.

Quick Path to Pornography

After a "small number of clicks", the investigators found explicit material ranging from revealing content to penetrative sex.

The research group claimed that the content tried to bypass filters, typically by presenting the video within an harmless image or video.

Regarding one profile, the procedure took two clicks after signing in: one interaction on the search function and then another on the recommended term.

Regulatory Context

Global Witness, whose remit includes researching technology companies' influence on societal welfare, said it conducted several experimental rounds.

Initial tests occurred before the enforcement of safeguarding regulations under the British online safety legislation on the 25th of July, and additional tests after the rules took effect.

Concerning Discoveries

Researchers added that multiple clips featured someone who looked like they were below the age of consent and had been sent to the Internet Watch Foundation, which oversees exploitative content.

The research organization claimed that TikTok was in breach of the UK safety legislation, which requires tech companies to stop children from viewing inappropriate videos such as explicit content.

Official Reaction

An official representative for Britain's media watchdog, which is tasked with regulating the act, stated: "We acknowledge the effort behind this study and will examine its results."

Official requirements for complying with the act state that digital platforms that pose a substantial threat of presenting inappropriate videos must "adjust their systems to block inappropriate videos from children's feeds.

The platform's rules forbid adult videos.

Company Reaction

TikTok announced that following notification from Global Witness, it had removed the offending videos and introduced modifications to its recommendation system.

"Immediately after notification" of these assertions, we responded quickly to examine the issue, take down videos that breached our guidelines, and implement enhancements to our search prompt functionality," commented a spokesperson.