TikTok Algorithm steered 13-Year-Olds to Pornographic Content, Inquiry Reveals
LONDON – October 3, 2025, 08:54:28 GMT – An investigation by Global Witness has found that TikTok’s algorithm repeatedly directed 13-year-old test accounts to explicit pornographic content despite the platform’s stated prohibition against such material. Researchers documented instances where the platform suggested search terms with sexual connotations and, when clicked, displayed videos containing hardcore pornography. The findings raise serious concerns about TikTok’s ability to protect children from harmful content and its adherence to its own Community Guidelines.
the vulnerability was exposed through a series of controlled experiments conducted between September 20 and September 27, 2025. Global Witness created multiple test accounts representing 13-year-olds and monitored the content suggested by TikTok’s “For You” page and through search functionality. The investigation demonstrates a systemic failure in content moderation and algorithmic safeguards, perhaps exposing a generation of young users to damaging and illegal material. This revelation arrives amid ongoing scrutiny of social media platforms and their responsibility to ensure user safety, especially for minors, and could trigger renewed calls for stricter regulation.
TikTok’s community Guidelines explicitly state the platform dose not allow “sexually explicit language by anyone,” and prohibits content that depicts or promotes sexual acts. However, the Global Witness investigation revealed that TikTok’s algorithm actively suggested search terms that led to pornographic videos. Researchers documented instances where, after initiating searches with innocuous terms, the platform proposed increasingly explicit phrases. A detailed appendix accompanying the report outlines the specific search terms suggested by TikTok, the terms researchers clicked on, and whether pornographic content was later displayed.
The potential consequences of exposure to pornography at a young age are notable, including lasting psychological and developmental damage. Child safety advocates warn that such exposure can contribute to distorted perceptions of sex, unhealthy relationships, and increased risk of sexual exploitation.
TikTok has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the findings.Global Witness is calling for immediate action from the platform to address the algorithmic failures and strengthen its content moderation practices to protect vulnerable users. The association intends to share its findings with regulatory bodies and law enforcement agencies.
