TikTok takes down videos pushing birth control myths

Wellness influencers suggesting that birth control is more dangerous than beneficial reached millions of women, an investigation by The Independent’s Hebe Campbell reveals

- Hebe Campbell

TikTok has removed videos promoting birth control misinformation after The Independent found that some influencers were spreading unproven claims to millions of users.

An investigation by The Independent and tech company Alethea revealed misleading videos claimed the risks of birth control, such as cancer or psychological side effects, outweigh its benefits.

Some videos, since taken down, also suggested that a herbal supplement called Queen Anne’s Lace could act as a contraceptive, and promoted the idea that women should “detox” after stopping their birth control prescription.

The TikTok videos, which appeared generic, engaging, and aesthetically pleasing, were posted by three prominent wellness influencers – reaching 15 million viewers on the platform between February 2021 and July 2024 and being shared 21,000 times.

Out of the 1,449 total videos posted by the three influencers during the period, 115 were tagged with #birthcontrol.

Using data collection, Alethea – a leading technology company specialising in online risk detection and mitigation – identified the top myths being spread by three prominent TikTok influencers.

The Independent also collated and flagged hashtags used specifically by these influencers on TikTok, which aimed to push this content to a wider audience than just their followers, such as #womenshealth #truth #holistichealth #fertilityawareness and #holistichealing. TikTok did not respond when asked if it took action on these.

Many of the videos were also published on platforms such as Instagram and YouTube.