TikTok has taken down a violent video of a stabbing following criticism from victims, which was believed to have influenced the Southport attacker, Axel Rudakubana, in his deadly actions that resulted in the deaths of three young girls. This move came after Home Secretary Yvette Cooper urged social media platforms to remove such graphic content.
A recent report concluded that the tragic triple killing in 2024 could have been prevented and highlighted TikTok’s promise to remove the disturbing footage. However, an investigation revealed that the video was still accessible on an account with a significant following, prompting TikTok to finally remove it after being notified by the Mirror.
Chris Walker, Director of Serious Injury at Bond Turner, representing the families of the victims, expressed concern over the availability of violent content on TikTok, calling for its removal to prevent further harm and psychological distress to individuals. Similarly, Nicola Ryan-Donnelly, a Serious Injury Solicitor at Fletchers Solicitors, emphasized the responsibility of social media companies to prioritize user safety over profits and promptly remove harmful material.
Amidst growing criticism, social media companies have been urged to act swiftly in removing violent content that could inspire real-world violence. The need for stricter regulations and sanctions on platforms that disseminate such harmful content has also been emphasized, especially considering the addictive nature of these apps and their widespread use by children.
Organizations and individuals, including Operation Shutdown and retired Met Police detective Peter Bleksley, have criticized social media platforms for their delayed actions and profit-driven motives, urging them to prioritize the well-being of users and the public. The Southport tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangerous influence of violent online content and the urgent need for accountability and stricter measures to prevent such incidents in the future.