TikTok Failed to Block Illegal Drug-Selling Accounts
Investigators reported over 100 accounts to TikTok for peddling illegal drugs with little platform oversight.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Drug Crime
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Maldita.es investigators have reported over 100 drug-selling accounts to TikTok, identifying videos that garnered millions of views. Despite using specific EU reporting mechanisms, investigators found that TikTok failed to adequately remove content offering drugs for sale.
Why it matters
Under the European Union Digital Services Act, platforms are required to mitigate systemic risks regarding illegal content and suspend accounts that repeatedly facilitate illicit activity. Investigators allege TikTok is failing to meet these legal obligations by allowing drug-related content to thrive within its recommendation algorithms.
Investigators reported 20 videos via official EU Digital Services Act mechanisms, resulting in a 75% block rate for those specific instances. Meanwhile, TikTok reported the proactive removal of 4.2 million accounts for various violations during the first half of 2026.
The players
Maldita.es
This is a Spanish fact-checking and investigative organization that monitors misinformation and illegal activity online.
TikTok
This is a global short-form video hosting service that is currently subject to strict content regulation under the European Union Digital Services Act.
The details
Investigators uncovered that TikTok algorithms frequently suggested searches for finding and cooking illegal drugs while populating feeds with illicit content. Although investigators identified 500 accounts engaging in drug-related activities, TikTok had previously identified only 15 of those as illegal, leaving hundreds of active drug suppliers operating on the platform.
Timeline
The drug supplier in question began operations in 2020.
TikTok data covers compliance during the period of January through June 2026.
The investigative report was published on September 24, 2026.
Legal Context
This investigative report highlights a critical tension between platform self-regulation and the mandate of the European Union Digital Services Act. It marks a departure from standard compliance reporting by challenging the effectiveness of the platform's response to systemic illegal content risks.
The failure of social media algorithms to filter illegal drug sales directly threatens public safety by increasing the visibility of illicit supply chains to younger users. Residents are advised to be aware that drug-related content may be promoted by recommendation systems, regardless of user interest.
The takeaway
Users should exercise caution as platform algorithms may inadvertently expose them to illegal content despite enforcement policies. Reporting illicit activity through official channels remains the most effective way to help platforms identify and remove violating accounts.
Further reading
For more information on legal frameworks governing online illicit markets, visit the Drug Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Maldita.es — Periodismo para que no te la cuelen.
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