26,000 Potential Child Predators Found on TikTok as Investigation Exposes Disturbing Online Network
More than 26,000 TikTok profiles have been identified as potentially involved in child sexual abuse, exposing the scale of an online network in which children are allegedly approached for intimate images and directed towards private messaging platforms.
The findings, published by Spanish investigative organisation Maldita.es, raise fresh questions about how effectively social media platforms protect young users from grooming and exploitation. Particularly concerning is the apparent ease with which suspicious accounts can approach children through comments, videos and livestreams.
The investigation identified 26,271 profiles over 35 days, classifying them according to behaviour linked to the distribution, solicitation and exchange of child sexual abuse material. However, the figure represents potential offenders identified through the organisation's methodology, rather than 26,271 confirmed criminal suspects.
How Children Are Being Targeted on TikTok
According to Maldita.es, researchers initially identified nearly 2,000 profiles displaying explicit abuse material, promoting external channels where such content could be obtained or using terminology associated with networks trading it.
The investigation also examined comments posted beneath videos and livestreams involving minors. Researchers analysed 31,979 comments and identified thousands of accounts allegedly attempting to obtain, exchange or distribute sexual images of children.
One tactic involved users pretending to be minors to persuade children to exchange intimate photographs. Others reportedly used coded phrases to request images, while some directed users towards messaging services such as Telegram, Zangi and WhatsApp.
In a separate examination, Maldita.es identified more than 10,000 accounts commenting on videos that encouraged children to exchange intimate images. Some of the posts specifically targeted children as young as eight.
TikTok Removed Only a Small Proportion of Reported Content
The investigation also questioned whether TikTok responds adequately when potentially abusive material is reported.
Researchers submitted 35 videos to the platform, selecting accounts that repeatedly solicited intimate images from children under 14 or displayed other suspicious behaviour.
TikTok removed just two videos, representing approximately 6 per cent of those reported. TikTok also restricted another two videos in Spain, while the remaining 31 were neither removed nor restricted, according to Maldita.es.
More concerningly, 91 per cent of the 35 accounts involved remained accessible 72 hours after the initial reports. Together, those accounts had more than 33,000 followers.
Maldita.es said it had previously warned TikTok about similar tactics, including attempts to move conversations with children to private messaging services. The organisation argued that the platform's failure to enforce its own protections left young users exposed to continued exploitation.
Why Online Grooming Can Have Lasting Consequences
Beyond the immediate danger of sexual exploitation, online grooming can leave children struggling with fear, shame, anxiety and difficulties trusting others.
Predators may exploit a child's desire for friendship, attention or acceptance, gradually encouraging them to share increasingly personal information or images. Impersonating another child can make these approaches particularly difficult for younger users to recognise.
The consequences can extend beyond the initial interaction. Children whose intimate images are obtained or circulated may experience bullying, emotional distress, social isolation and lasting concerns about their privacy.
Parents and guardians can help reduce these risks by maintaining open conversations about online friendships, encouraging children to report uncomfortable interactions and explaining why they should never feel pressured to share intimate images. Children should also know they will not be blamed for seeking help if someone has manipulated or threatened them.
The findings underline the importance of stronger platform safeguards, effective reporting systems and closer monitoring of interactions involving minors. As online predators continue to exploit social media features to approach children, removing individual posts may not be enough to address the wider problem.