Biggest TikTok Scandals & Controversies in 2025
In 2025, TikTok faced several significant scandals and controversies that impacted its operations and reputation globally:
1. U.S. National Security Concerns and Potential Ban
The U.S. government intensified scrutiny over TikTok’s Chinese ownership, citing national security risks. President Donald Trump mandated that ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, divest its U.S. operations by April 5, 2025, to prevent a nationwide ban. Negotiations involved potential buyers, including U.S. investors and tech firms. Trump indicated a willingness to reduce tariffs on China to facilitate the sale, highlighting the geopolitical complexities surrounding the app’s future in the U.S. The Verge+6Reuters+6Axios+6Reuters+3AP News+3The Verge+3
2. Allegations of Child Exploitation via Livestreaming
A lawsuit filed by the state of Utah alleged that TikTok was aware of its livestreaming feature being misused for child exploitation. Investigations revealed instances where adults paid minors to perform provocative acts during live broadcasts. Despite internal awareness, the platform was accused of not implementing effective measures to prevent such exploitation, raising concerns about user safety and content moderation policies. The Guardian+1Wikipedia+1
3. Global Legal Actions and Content Concerns
- Italy: In March 2024, the Italian Competition Authority fined TikTok €10 million for failing to prevent the spread of harmful content, including dangerous challenges that endangered minors.Wikipedia
- France: In November 2024, French families sued TikTok, alleging that the platform exposed adolescents to harmful content promoting self-harm and suicide, leading to tragic outcomes.Wikipedia
- Venezuela: In December 2024, Venezuela’s Supreme Court fined TikTok $10 million over viral challenges that authorities claimed resulted in the deaths of three children, citing the platform’s negligence in content moderation. Wikipedia
4. Albanian Ban Following Violent Incident
In December 2024, Albania announced a one-year ban on TikTok after a teenager fatally stabbed another teen following a dispute that originated on the platform. The government cited concerns over TikTok’s role in promoting violence and bullying among children as the primary reasons for the shutdown, which was enacted in March 2025. Wikipedia
5. Workplace Condition Criticisms
Reports emerged detailing poor workplace conditions at TikTok, including excessive workloads and inadequate time off. Employees described long hours, with some averaging 85 hours of meetings per week, leading to personal health issues and strained relationships. These revelations raised questions about the company’s internal culture and treatment of staff. Wikipedia
These incidents underscore the multifaceted challenges TikTok faced in 2025, encompassing national security debates, user safety concerns, legal battles, and internal operational issues.
