TikTok Removes #SkinnyTok Worldwide After Pressure from Brussels and Paris

brussels, paris - TikTok bans #SkinnyTok globally following concerns raised by policymakers in Brussels and Paris, aiming to protect youth from harmful content promoting extreme thinness.

TikTok Bans #SkinnyTok Globally

TikTok has taken down the popular hashtag #SkinnyTok worldwide, associated with promoting extreme weight loss videos, in response to pressure from policymakers in Brussels and Paris.

European Commission's Intervention

In April, Belgium and France raised concerns to the European Commission about 'SkinnyTok,' a TikTok hashtag encouraging extreme thinness among young people, in violation of the Digital Services Act (DSA) aimed at protecting minors online.

French and Belgian Ministers' Reactions

French Minister Clara Chappaz visited TikTok's headquarters in Dublin in May to advocate for the removal of the hashtag. She confirmed TikTok's action as a positive step towards safeguarding youth online.

Belgian Minister Vanessa Matz also expressed satisfaction with the removal of #SkinnyTok, emphasizing the harmful impact of such trends on teenagers' mental health and the platform's responsibility to protect them.

While acknowledging progress, Matz highlighted the ongoing importance of prioritizing the mental well-being of young users and urged platforms to remain vigilant in safeguarding teenagers.