TikTok Live — livestreaming linked to grooming and exploitation of minors

TikTok's LIVE feature lets users livestream and receive virtual gifts that convert to real money. Court records and state lawsuits (2024–2025) allege that underage users as young as 13 bypassed the 18+ requirement to go live, and that adults paid minors to perform sexually suggestive or explicit acts on camera in exchange for gifts. TikTok's internal studies reportedly identified these risks. BBC investigations documented similar exploitation in other regions. Parents should be aware that going live or watching live streams can expose teens to grooming and transactional pressure; discuss boundaries around monetization and who they interact with.