MP raises safety concerns with social media platform

She raised a range of issues with TikTok around age verification, tackling online abuse, protection of minors and addressing inappropriate content.

Mrs Lockhart said: “Only a short time ago TikTok was unheard of.

“However, while new platforms emerge, many of the online harms concerns are the same across all platforms. Protecting children and young people from abuse and exploitation, stamping out online bullying, tackling misinformation and hate speech are just some of the areas that need addressed.”

She added: “As the Government brings forward its Online Harms legislation, it is vitally important that these issues are addressed in a meaningful way. A watered down Bill will not deliver the protection for online users, nor will it deliver accountability for social media platforms. We cannot miss this opportunity for a change in direction on online harms.

“I was encouraged to hear that TikTok continues to look at ways of working with other social media and online search engines to tackle issues in a collaborative and comprehensive way. It is regrettable that some seem reluctant to adopt that kind of approach.

“On an issue like age verification, solutions do exist that would help protect our young people in particular. This could include a verification process on App Store or Google Play. This would then work for all apps. Such solutions should be explored, even as a pilot to assess effectiveness.

“With around 100 million videos being taken off TikTok through their own safeguarding measures in the first half of this year, the scale of the problem is clear. The onus is now on the Government to bring forward their proposals without further delay, as with each day passes without this legislation, threats remain.

“In the coming days I will be engaging further with other social media companies and the Government to continue to stress the need to protect online users, particularly our children. This issue affects every home. We need a comprehensive solution.”

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