TikTok is fighting a war on many fronts. Not only will it have to fight for its life with the federal government while it awaits the Supreme Court next week. But it also took the Utah Attorney General's breath away. Bloomberg It received a lawsuit from the state's top prosecutor alleging that TikTok knew its live streaming feature was a breeding ground for illegal content and all sorts of harmful behavior. including child care
The lawsuit reveals two internal investigations TikTok launched into events on its Live platform. The first, Project Meramec, found that underage users engaged in sexual acts on live streams. This is done in exchange for virtual gifts given to viewers.
At the time of the investigation, TikTok's policy prohibited users 16 years of age or younger from live broadcasting. and prevents users under 18 from sending or receiving virtual gifts that can be exchanged for money. However, this enforcement has failed: An internal audit of the company found that it hosted 112,000 underage users. Live streaming for a single month in 2022 is even better. The company also found that its algorithms were promoting sexual content. Therefore, those underage streamers are more likely to be recommended to their viewers. There is no real reason to wonder why this is happening: TikTok receives virtual gifts with every purchase. More gifted users also generate more revenue for TikTok.
A second internal investigation, dubbed Project Jupiter, looked into money laundering operations conducted using TikTok's live streaming service. That investigation found that some criminal operations were using TikTok Live to move money. while others sell illegal drugs and services in exchange for virtual gifts. Internal communications between TikTok employees reveal discussions about how Live might be used to fund terrorist organizations like the Islamic State.
TikTok's investigation into underage users followed. Investigation published by Forbes There have been numerous examples of older male users luring young women into sex on TikTok Live in exchange for gifts. Leah Plunkett, assistant dean at Harvard Law School, told Forbes it's “the digital equivalent of going to a strip club that's full of 15 year old child”
It's far from the first time TikTok has lacked moderation. This is especially true regarding content involving minors. This put the company in hot water. Back in 2022, United States Department of Homeland Security Launch of investigation In their handling of TikTok's child sexual abuse content earlier this year, the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice Sue the company for violating the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act It alleges that the company intentionally allowed underage users to create accounts and interact with adults on the platform.
TikTok isn't the only social platform with a child predator problem. Last year, the Wall Street Journal reported that Meta was in trouble. Getting rid of pedophiles From Facebook and Instagram and their algorithms work. Promoting and advising users about child exploitation content– Twitter under the guidance of Elon Musk Fire the moderation team It is responsible for following up on child sexual abuse and sawing. Network of child pornography dealers Crop on the platform while active Unban a booted user For posting content about child exploitation
It's possible that no platform is really any good.