Study finds TikTok algorithm 'leads' children to adult videos

Research by Global Witness shows that even with restricted mode turned on, 13-year-old accounts are still suggested videos with sexy elements and inappropriate content by TikTok.

Kids are viewing sensitive content suggested by TikTok's algorithm

A new study by Global Witness has just been published showing that TikTok's content recommendation algorithm can expose young users to sensitive videos , even if the account is set to age 13 and has restricted mode turned on.

The discovery raises concerns about the ability to control children's content on the world's most popular video platform.

TikTok's algorithm may be "leading" children to adult videos

According to a report by Global Witness published on October 3, 2025, the research team created a series of accounts simulating 13-year-old users in the UK, US and Australia. When these accounts searched for popular phrases such as "love", "teen emotions" or "dating", TikTok's recommendation system quickly displayed videos with sexy content, or containing images and language inappropriate for minors.

The results show that TikTok's algorithm operates based on user watch time and interaction, rather than assessing the appropriateness of the content. This makes videos with curiosity elements, even though they are adult in nature, more likely to be shown first.

Global Witness warns that children do not need to actively search for sensitive content, but only need to interact for a few minutes for the system to automatically suggest videos of this type.

The organization believes this is a clear manifestation of the risks in modern social networks using artificial intelligence to retain users, while not enough control is put on the negative impact on minors.

TikTok's efforts to control and the challenge from the algorithm itself

According to Tuoi Tre Online's investigation, TikTok affirmed that the platform does not allow pornographic content to appear and has applied many child protection tools, such as Restricted Mode and the Family Pairing feature so that parents can control the content displayed.

However, research by Global Witness shows that these measures cannot completely prevent TikTok's algorithm from continuing to suggest inappropriate content.

Cybersecurity experts say the problem lies in the way the algorithm prioritizes display. The lack of transparency in the recommendation mechanism makes it difficult for parents to know what content their children are exposed to.

They recommend that TikTok and similar platforms be more open about how their algorithms work, and work with regulators to ensure compliance with online child protection standards.

In Vietnam, TikTok is a video platform widely used by young people. The Ministry of Information and Communications has asked TikTok to strengthen content censorship and handle harmful videos, especially in protecting young users.

The findings from Global Witness continue to raise questions about the social responsibility of technology companies when algorithms - the core tools that help platforms operate - can become loopholes that allow children to access adult content.

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Tuan Vi

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/nghien-cuu-phat-hien-thuat-toan-tiktok-dan-loi-tre-em-den-video-nguoi-lon-20251009124737045.htm