Government Calls for TikTok Operations to Cease in Spain
Sira Rego, the Minister for Youth and Childhood, has urged TikTok to halt its operations in Spain until it effectively dismantles networks involved in child sexual abuse, as highlighted by a recent investigation from the Maldita.es foundation. Rego has also formally requested the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) to impose a precautionary suspension of the platform across the country, emphasising the necessity of these measures for the safeguarding of minors in digital spaces.
In a statement on social media, Rego remarked, “When sexual violence against children is circulating on a platform, we must be resolute and implement stringent measures. No commercial interest supersedes the rights of children.”
Shocking Findings from Maldita.es Investigation
Earlier this week, Maldita.es released a series of articles stemming from an extensive investigation that uncovered the existence of thousands of Spanish-speaking accounts linked to the creation, distribution, and trade of content depicting or suggesting intimate situations involving minors. The analysis revealed approximately 1,182 public posts featuring explicit material related to child sexual abuse, shared through over 200 profiles, collectively amassing 48 million views.
In response to these alarming findings, Rego declared, “The documented incidents of child sexual abuse on TikTok are extremely serious. We have requested the Prosecutor’s Office to initiate an investigation and have urgently sought a meeting with the platform’s representatives in Spain.” Reports indicate that the Minister met with TikTok officials and Maldita.es representatives to discuss the situation in greater detail.
Minister’s Firm Stance on TikTok’s Operations
During the meeting, Rego expressed her frustration, stating, “Had it been up to me, TikTok would have been suspended in Spain since yesterday.” She conveyed concerns that the platform operates with total impunity and that its protective mechanisms are inadequate, prioritising algorithms over safety.
In addition to the voluntary service suspension request, Rego demanded that TikTok remove all explicit and suggestive content, provide a report on the actions taken thus far to address the issue, and propose a strategy to rectify the situation and prevent future occurrences. She also sought a formal explanation for the removal of only 10% of the 50 sensitive videos highlighted in the investigation.
Limited Commitment from TikTok
While Rego noted that TikTok appeared willing to engage in dialogue and collaborate with the Prosecutor’s Office, she pointed out that the company did not commit to any specific measures, labelling their approach as a “half-hearted collaborative attitude.” She remarked during a press conference, “We have not received many responses. TikTok representatives have indicated they will review the situation but little more. There is a lack of will or commitment to conduct an audit or propose verification mechanisms.”
Potential Suspension of TikTok in Spain
The Ministry’s request to the AEPD is legally grounded in Article 66.1 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union, which empowers the competent authorities of member states to take immediate provisional measures when there is an “urgent need” to protect the rights of potentially affected individuals. In this specific case, the AEPD could order the suspension of TikTok’s operations in Spain without requiring prior approval from the Irish data protection regulator, which oversees the platform across Europe due to its headquarters in Dublin.
If the Minister’s request is granted, TikTok would be prohibited from processing personal data of Spanish citizens for a maximum period of three months, rendering the service inoperable solely within the Spanish market. This decision would need to be communicated to the European Commission and the European Data Protection Board to ensure compliance with the community legal framework.
Ongoing Support for Research and Awareness
Meanwhile, Maldita.es is conducting a fundraising campaign to sustain and expand its investigation into TikTok. Clara Jiménez Cruz, the director of the organisation, stated that the attention towards this social media platform stems from the exceptional risk it poses to the integrity of minors. “TikTok cannot even be compared to other platforms concerning child sexual abuse,” she clarified.
The foundation encourages the public to make one-off donations ranging from €50 to €250, annual contributions of €100 to €250, or monthly donations between €8 and €21. Individuals interested in supporting the cause are welcome to contribute amounts exceeding the suggested figures.