More than 20.200 comments, 1.600 accounts, and 380 videos analyzed: this is an investigation by Maldita.es into how TikTok has become a free-for-all for pedophiles looking to 'hunt' minors
A journalistic investigation published by Maldita.es has highlighted the risks faced by minors on TikTok. The report analyzes how certain users exploit viral trends on the platform to contact children and teenagers and subsequently steer the conversations toward private applications.
The journalistic investigation examined more than 20.000 comments, 1.600 accounts, and nearly 400 videos related to potentially dangerous behaviors toward minors. Among the practices detected were cases of grooming, sextortion, and the sexualization of content featuring teenagers.
According to the research, many of these contacts begin with seemingly harmless trends, viral challenges, or posts in which minors share personal information, photos, or videos. Experts consulted warn that this exposure makes it easier for adults to identify potential victims and move the contact to more private messaging platforms.
The report also warns of the increase in grooming-related crimes in Spain in recent years. Furthermore, it includes testimonies and analyses from cybersecurity and child protection specialists, who emphasize the importance of digital supervision and education about privacy and risks on social media.
Another key issue is the rapid spread of intimate content among minors and the false sense of privacy within certain closed groups. Experts remind us that any sexual material featuring minors is considered child pornography under Spanish law, even if the images were initially shared voluntarily.
The investigation also questions TikTok's ability to react to this type of content and profiles, noting that some users manage to remain active for long periods before being removed.
Source: Investigation published by Maldita.es
