Key facts
- YouTube's algorithm continues to recommend eating disorder videos to teenage users.
- Research found one in 10 recommended videos were harmful, an improvement from previous findings.
- The UK's Online Safety Act mandates platforms protect minors from dangerous content.
- Google stated that the highlighted videos have been removed and it prohibits content encouraging eating disorders.
- None of the harmful videos recommended by YouTube's algorithm triggered a crisis panel in the latest study.
YouTube continues to recommend videos promoting eating disorders to teenage users, a year after the UK introduced new regulations under the Online Safety Act to protect minors from harmful content. Research by the Centre for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) found that one in 10 videos recommended by YouTube's algorithm to a simulated 13-year-old girl featured content related to extreme dieting, thinspiration, or other harmful material.
While the situation has improved compared to previous years, with the proportion of harmful recommendations decreasing from one in four in 2024, the CCDH stated that "one video is too many" and highlighted concerns that even a small algorithmic nudge can push vulnerable users into dangerous situations. The study also noted that none of the harmful eating disorder videos recommended by the algorithm triggered a crisis panel, which is intended to direct users to support services.
Google, YouTube's parent company, maintains a "steadfast" commitment to removing harmful content and has stated that the videos highlighted in the CCDH report have been removed for violating community guidelines. A YouTube spokeswoman emphasized the company's priority on viewer well-being and its collaboration with experts to refine its mental health approach. The platform has also introduced curated expert videos for searches related to sensitive topics like eating disorders.
The Online Safety Act, which fully came into force in July 2025, imposes a legal duty on platforms like YouTube to protect under-18s from dangerous content, including material that encourages suicide, self-harm, and eating disorders. Non-compliance can lead to significant fines. The CCDH's research, which was also conducted with teen profiles in the US and EU, showed similar results, indicating a global challenge.
Experts acknowledge the complex relationship between social media and eating disorders. While supportive online communities can reduce isolation, about 90% of individuals speaking to the charity Beat report encountering harmful content online. Beat suggests users can block, mute, report harmful content, turn off notifications, limit screen time, or select "not interested" on unwanted content. However, the charity emphasizes that the ultimate responsibility lies with social media platforms to ensure user safety. In response to these ongoing concerns, the government announced plans in June to prevent under-16s from accessing major social media platforms, with measures expected in spring 2027.