Several organisations are criticising TikTok for its content moderation policies regarding suicide and eating disorder material. Such as the NSPCC and the Molly Rose Foundation have been very vocal about the policies rectification. The groups claimed that TikTok has been slow to act following research suggesting that the app’s recommendation algorithm pushes self-harm. Also, eating disorder content to teenagers who have expressed an interest in these topics.
The organizations have sent a letter to TikTok’s head of safety, asking the app to take “meaningful action,” including improving moderation of harmful content. Furthermore, developing a “comprehensive” approach to removing harmful content. Additionally, supporting users struggling with eating disorders or suicidal thoughts, and regularly reporting on steps taken to address these issues.
TikTok has only removed seven of the 56 coded eating disorder hashtags
The signatories, which include more than two dozen organisations such as the American Psychological Association and the US Eating Disorders Coalition, claimed that TikTok has only removed seven of the 56 coded eating disorder hashtags identified in research by the Center for Countering Digital Hate. The CCDH stated that there have been 1.6 billion further views of these hashtags since November 2022.
TikTok made the letter public in the same week that it announced restrictions on teenagers using the app for more than an hour a day, though the restrictions can be modified or removed through the app’s settings.
In response, a spokesperson for TikTok stated that the company is open to feedback. In addition, scrutiny and seeks to engage constructively with partners who have expertise in these complex issues. The spokesperson also stated that the company’s community guidelines are clear in not allowing the promotion, normalisation, or glorification of eating disorders. They have removed content mentioned in the report that violates these rules. Many people who struggle with or recover from eating disorders use the app for support.
