TikTok Relaxed Ad Rules as Scams Increased, Forbes Investigation Finds

TikTok weakened its advertising enforcement rules in 2025, allowing some advertisers accused of running scams and promoting harmful products to remain on the platform, according to an investigation by Forbes.

TikTok faces scrutiny after a Forbes investigation reported that changes to its advertising rules allowed more advertisers accused of scams to remain on the platform. [Photo: TikTok Facebook]

T

The investigation, based on internal documents and interviews with four TikTok insiders, found that executives reduced the number of policy violations that could trigger an immediate advertiser ban from 37 to 13.

Under the revised rules, violations involving non-delivery scams, weapons, questionable financial investments, weight-loss products, counterfeit GLP-1 medications and pro-eating-disorder content were no longer automatically treated as severe enough to warrant immediate suspension, Forbes reported.

Internal data reviewed by the publication reportedly showed a sharp increase in fraudulent advertising and prohibited sexual content following the changes.

The report also found that more than 100,000 advertisers a day who previously would have been immediately banned were allowed to remain on the platform.

The findings raise questions about whether TikTok's revised enforcement standards adequately protect users from fraudulent advertisements and harmful material. However, the reported figures and internal assessments have not been independently audited in the material reviewed.

TikTok disputed the investigation's characterization of its policies. Spokesperson Jessica Casano-Antonellis said the allegations misrepresented the company's commitment to advertiser safety and platform integrity.

She said TikTok prohibits fraudulent and deceptive advertising and continues to strengthen its policies and enforcement systems.