TikTok bans SkinnyTok hashtag in Europe, says ‘We have blocked search results as it…'
Short-form video app
TikTok
has blocked search results for the #SkinnyTok hashtag globally after it drew sharp criticism for promoting extreme and unhealthy weight-loss content. The decision comes in response to growing pressure from European regulators and officials in France, who flagged the trend for potentially endangering young users' mental health.
In a statement, TikTok spokesperson Paolo Ganino said '[We] have blocked search results for #skinnytok since it has become linked to unhealthy weight loss content'. Ganion further added that the move is part of a regular review of the platform's safety measures to address emerging risks.
What happens when a user searches #skinnytok on TikTok
If a user searches for #skinnytok on TikTok, they are now redirected to mental health support resources.
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The now-banned hashtag has garnered over half a million posts. Many of these posts reportedly glamorised extreme thinness and shared guilt-inducing messages like 'you aren't ugly, you are just fat'.
France's Digital Minister Clara Chappaz welcomed the move, calling it a 'collective victory' after nearly two months of campaigning, which included a public petition and a meeting with TikTok executives in Dublin in early May. 'The fight to protect our children online doesn't stop there,' Chappaz said. 'I won't give up. Banning social media before 15 is my priority.'
The ban has amplified calls in Brussels for stricter rules on social media use by children. EU politicians have seized on the #SkinnyTok issue to support ongoing discussions around new regulations under the Digital Services Act (DSA), which aims to strengthen content moderation across major platforms.
The topic was also raised during a recent call between EU Consumer Protection Commissioner Michael McGrath and TikTok CEO Shou Chew. 'This is a live investigation which will take its course in the normal way, but I felt it was important to reiterate the Commission's strong stance on child protection,' McGrath said.
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