- 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.
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