TikTok Live is the internet’s closest thing to the wild west. There are people working shifts at Starbucks, putting popcorn kernels in flat irons, streaming the NBA playoffs, and “solving” impossible riddles. But what if we could use the platform for good? Well, some creators are by using platforms like TikTok and Omegle to catch groomers and pedophiles.
One TikToker, @paulbryantv, goes on live exposing creeps on Omegle while pretending to be underage. He uploads recaps of the live on his feed too.
Though TikTok now has @paulbryantv’s account on a permanent ban from TikTok Live citing “youth exploitation and abuse” despite the purpose of the lives being to prevent abuse, he has instead moved over to Kick.com to host his live streams.
Another creator has tried to circumvent this regular banning by TikTok – Amber Gibson, who had to create multiple accounts @ambercatchespredators, @amberunavailable, and @therealamberunavailable. Amber pretends to be a minor on Omegle where she asks the chat for age-appropriate responses for baiting pedophiles, down to the type of emojis an actual 14-year-old would use.
On her Lives, she has colorful post-its everywhere on her computer stating that the Live is PG rated with no swearing (or any words that go against TikTok Guidelines) in an attempt to not get banned. She also notes that all the names and accounts of creeps will be reported to The National Center For Missing and Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) website.
Though TikTok’s guidelines and safety teams have censored their content these creators are doing real good (though @paulbryantv tends to lean on being a troll).
It has yet to be seen how accounts like these will fair in the long run, but we are comforted knowing neither of the Chris Hansens of TikTok aren't backing down anytime soon.
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