Alarming new research has revealed that YouTube is still recommending videos promoting eating disorders to UK teenagers despite a year's worth of regulations aimed at tackling this issue. A study conducted by the Centre for Countering Digital Hate (CCDH) discovered that, in some cases, up to 10% of suggested videos contain 'thinspiration', extreme calorie restriction or other damaging content. This is particularly concerning given the government's Online Safety Act, which came into force in July 2025, places a legal obligation on platforms like YouTube to safeguard users under 18 from harmful content.
The study compared YouTube's recommendations before and after the legislation was implemented, creating a simulated profile of a 13-year-old girl interested in diet and body image content. While there has been some improvement since the introduction of the Act, with one in ten videos still being deemed problematic, this remains a significant concern for experts.
Alexandra Johnson, Senior Research Manager at CCDH, welcomed the report's findings as 'some hope' that regulation can have an impact on reducing online harm. However, she cautioned that 'one video is too many', particularly for vulnerable users where even a small algorithmic nudge can lead to dangerous situations.
Examples of content still being recommended include videos promoting extreme thinness and low-calorie diets, as well as links to documents promising an emaciated body. Google has since confirmed that the specific videos highlighted in the report have been removed, but experts are pushing for stronger measures to protect young people online.
The complex causes of eating disorders mean that online content is not solely responsible, but its influence can be profound. Individuals like Jazmin Kaur, who developed anorexia at 13 and found some online material exacerbated her condition, highlight the importance of tackling this issue.