Three children, seated cross-legged in a mud-brick shelter in Afghanistan, look straight into the camera. With cupped hands, a boy pleads, “Please support me. We are very poor.” Their message isn’t for a neighbour — it’s broadcast live to millions globally via TikTok Live.

For hours, these children ask viewers for virtual gifts—digital trinkets worth mere pennies, which TikTok converts into revenue and tiny payouts. When they receive one, they cheer. A girl, gifted a digital rose, jumps and exclaims, “Thank you, we love you!” But by the time that rose is cashed out, it may be worth less than a third of a penny.

TikTok says it bans exploitative begging, especially involving children. Yet, an Observer investigation reveals the practice is rampant and, disturbingly, promoted by the app’s own algorithm. TikTok profits by taking up to 70% in fees.

Experts are outraged. Olivier de Schutter from the UN condemned it as “digital predation.” Save the Children’s Jeffrey DeMarco called the abuse “severe” and demanded urgent reforms.

Investigations from January to April 2025 found such livestreams across Afghanistan, Syria, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, and Kenya. Some involved rotating groups of children — raising suspicions of organised exploitation. Others featured degrading acts or stunts in exchange for more virtual rewards.

TikTok claims it removes abusive content and blocks millions of streams each month. Still, rights advocates say far more oversight is needed, especially as many victims are too young or vulnerable to consent.

#DigitalExploitation #ChildSafetyOnline #TikTokEthics #ProtectTheVulnerable