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“They help us when we have problems with the app. They can unlock locked accounts. We give them a profile name, a picture and they create a profile,” Hamid said.
These agencies have signed contracts with TikTok to help creators create live broadcasts. “TikTok” pays them a commission depending on the duration of the live broadcasts and the value of the digital gifts received, the agencies explained.
Conflicts with corporate rules policies
Marva Fatafta of digital rights group Access Now says live broadcasts are against TikTok’s policy of “preventing harm, endangerment or exploitation” of underage users.
“TikTok makes it clear that users are not allowed to request ‘digital gifts’, so this is a clear violation of their terms of service and human rights,” Fatafta said.
Marwa admits that people have the right to share their stories online “to try to find support and sympathy”, but believes these live broadcasts “are humiliating and disrespectful”.
When the BBC told TikTok about 30 live broadcast accounts showing children begging, TikTok said none of the cases violated the rules.
After the BBC contacted TikTok directly for comment, the company had already deleted all accounts.
“We are deeply concerned about the information and allegations made by the BBC and have taken immediate action. This type of content is not allowed on our platform and we continue to strengthen our global policy on the exploitation of begging.”
TikTok, the world’s fastest growing social media app, has generated over € 6.3 billion in gross revenue since its launch in 2017, according to analytics firm Sensor Tower.
