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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Nicole Wootton-Cane

Ofcom urged to intervene as TikTok ‘failing to act on accounts advertising illegal drugs’

TikTok Ofcom Full
  • A study published in the International Journal of Drug Policy found TikTok failed to act on over 95 per cent of user reports regarding accounts selling illegal drugs in the UK.
  • Researchers from the University of Bath flagged hundreds of accounts, but 83.5 per cent remained publicly accessible two weeks after being reported.
  • Every response claiming no violation was returned after precisely 30.5 minutes, indicating automated processes were likely involved in moderation.
  • Co-author Professor Chris Pudney urged regulator Ofcom to independently test reporting mechanisms, whilst TikTok stated it has since strengthened moderation systems.
  • Under the UK Online Safety Act, regulated platforms are legally required to minimise illegal drug supply content and swiftly remove it when identified.

IN FULL

TikTok failing to remove nearly all accounts reported for advertising drugs, study finds

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