Joseph Isangura
A new investigation has raised concerns about how TikTok profits from livestreamed content, some of which allegedly involves minors in exploitative situations.
Reports suggest that teenagers as young as 15 have been using the platform to attract viewers and arrange payments for private content through other channels.
Three young women in Kenya shared their experiences, revealing that they started engaging in such activities while still teenagers. They explained that TikTok served as a gateway to connect with paying viewers, despite the platform’s policies prohibiting sexual content and solicitation. Content analysts believe TikTok is aware of these activities but has not done enough to curb them.
A major factor contributing to the issue is TikTok’s “gifting” feature, which allows viewers to send virtual gifts—often represented by emojis—to content creators during livestreams. Investigators found that the company reportedly takes a significant cut, up to 70% of the earnings, making it a key financial beneficiary of these interactions.
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On any given night, multiple livestreams feature young women dancing suggestively, attracting a global audience. The popularity of these streams has sparked growing concerns over how social media platforms regulate content and whether they prioritize profits over user protection.
This is not the first time TikTok has faced criticism over content moderation. A previous investigation in 2022 indicated that the platform was aware of similar exploitative trends but took minimal action, allegedly because of the financial gains involved. Organizations advocating for child protection, such as ChildFund Kenya, have warned that the country has become a hotspot for such online activities due to its youthful population and limited digital regulation.
With public pressure mounting, social media companies face increasing demands to ensure their spaces remain safe, especially for young users.
