Swedish police force TikTok and Meta to delete 30 criminal recruitment ads

Swedish police announced on August 21 that they have compelled TikTok and Meta to delete 30 advertisements that solicited payment for criminal services, using a law enacted on July 15 that requires platforms to act within one hour. Of those orders, 29 targeted TikTok and a single one was directed at Meta, and both firms have complied so far. The illicit postings appear publicly on social networks before shifting conversations to encrypted apps, where youths are enticed with offers ranging from 10,000 kronor to multi-million sums, though actual payouts are rare.

Authorities stress that these false promises are a recruitment tool for gangs that exploit teens to carry out violent acts, including murders, while hoping to evade prison sentences. Police called for heightened vigilance and more robust content moderation by tech companies. The crackdown occurs as Sweden continues to battle a surge in gang violence and recently approved lowering the criminal-responsibility age from 15 to 14, set to take effect on September 10.