Reuters reported that Spain’s government demanded TikTok suspend operations in the country until it removed child sexual abuse material, and that two search terms were restricted for users in Spain. The report described a demand, not an implemented nationwide shutdown. Reuters reported that searches from other European countries still led to material tied to an investigation by Maldita.es.
The referral came before the reported demand
On November 9, Spain’s Ministry of Youth and Childhood sent information about the allegations to the State Prosecutor’s Office and asked it to consider protective measures for minors. The Ministry also raised a possible suspension and requested an urgent meeting with TikTok, according to RTVE’s account. News reports attributed the allegations behind the government’s response to an investigation by Maldita.es.
In a report published November 10, El Periódico said the meeting between the government and TikTok ended without agreement.
The reported search restrictions applied in Spain
Reuters reported that TikTok restricted two search terms identified by Maldita.es for users in Spain. Searches from other European countries still led to the material described in the investigation.
A demand to suspend TikTok operations and a restriction on two search terms are different measures. The reported search restrictions applied to users in Spain.
