Colombian guerrilla groups exploiting TikTok to lure children into armed ranks
Colombian armed factions, including the FARC and Clan del Golfo, are using TikTok and other platforms to recruit minors, according to El Colombiano.
El Colombiano revealed that Colombian guerrilla movements such as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the Clan del Golfo are running a digital recruitment drive dubbed “Recruitment 2.0,” targeting children and teens in impoverished areas. The scheme relies on TikTok’s algorithm to surface videos that flaunt weapons, luxury goods and false promises of soccer tournaments or high-paying jobs, often using coded language and ninja emojis to evade content filters.
An investigation by the UIA of the Special Jurisdiction of Peace documented a 66% surge in online child recruitment between 2022 and 2025, with nearly half of 2025’s cases originating on social media, and identified TikTok as the most problematic platform. While Colombian officials issued preventive guidelines last year, TikTok has not implemented effective measures, and other platforms like Facebook, YouTube and Instagram are used for different age groups and messaging.
The UIA projects over 2,300 new child recruitment cases between 2026 and 2030 if the trend continues. Social-service group Corpades has been monitoring the phenomenon, noting direct messages inviting 12- to 13-year-olds to join the armed groups.
Why it matters
Online recruitment of children fuels ongoing violence and undermines Colombia's peace efforts.
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