KUALA LUMPUR – Spain is considering suspending TikTok’s operations in the country following allegations that child sexual abuse material is being circulated on the social media platform.
The Youth and Childhood Ministry has asked the prosecutor’s office to take action after an investigation by the Maldita.es foundation uncovered alleged child sexual abuse material being shared on TikTok, news agency EFE reported on Nov 9, Bernama reported.
The investigation identified more than 1,000 videos containing such material, which had collectively attracted over 48 million views.
Researchers also found more than 20,000 profiles belonging to potential predators allegedly involved in exchanging or selling the material, including over 7,000 Spanish-language accounts.
The findings further revealed 780 accounts allegedly seeking buyers for the content, as well as 91 livestreams involving minors across 17 countries.
During these broadcasts, viewers reportedly offered children money in exchange for carrying out various actions, including sexual acts.
In response, Spanish Youth and Childhood Minister Sira Rego has called for an urgent meeting with TikTok representatives to demand explanations and establish what measures the company is taking to safeguard children on its platform.
The ministry said the findings highlighted serious weaknesses in TikTok’s content detection and moderation systems, raising concerns over potential violations of children’s rights.
It also said the government could consider suspending the platform’s services in Spain if deemed necessary, although no decision to impose such a measure has been announced. – November 10, 2026