TikTok has blocked search results for the hashtag #SkinnyTok, following increasing criticism from European regulators and mental health advocates. The decision marks another chapter in the platform’s ongoing struggle to moderate content that could promote disordered eating and unhealthy beauty standards among its predominantly young audience.

French Digital Minister Clara Chappaz has been vocal in her opposition to the hashtag, labeling it “revolting” and “unacceptable.” Since April, Chappaz has spearheaded efforts in collaboration with both French and EU regulators to pressure TikTok into taking action. “Digital tools are marvellous in terms of progress and freedom,” she said, “but badly used they can shatter lives … the social networks cannot escape their responsibility.”

TikTok responded to mounting pressure by removing search functionality for the hashtag, citing the increase in unhealthy weight loss content associated with it. A spokesperson told Engadget that the platform had “blocked search results for #SkinnyTok since it has become linked to unhealthy weight loss content.” They added that the company is also working to limit search suggestions, restrict video visibility for teen accounts, and redirect users toward health-related resources.

The platform began noticing a spike in #SkinnyTok-related content earlier this year, with a significant increase in March and April. In response, it tightened moderation, limited algorithmic promotion of related posts, and began offering expert-backed health information when users search for similar terms.

However, experts argue that removing a single hashtag is far from enough. “Users are savvy,” said Cornell University professor Brooke Erin Duffy. “They know how to work these platforms and how to evade their content moderation systems.” This sentiment echoes broader concerns that TikTok’s moderation often feels reactive rather than proactive, addressing symptoms rather than root causes.

TikTok has taken several previous steps to address body image issues, including banning certain types of ads in 2020 and partnering with the National Eating Disorders Association in 2021. Still, critics argue that without systemic changes to how the algorithm surfaces sensitive content, such measures remain limited in impact.

🔗 Source: Engadget – TikTok now blocks search results for #SkinnyTok