Brazil demands TikTok explain viral videos inciting violence against women
Brazilian government demanded TikTok explain how its algorithms and moderation systems allowed videos depicting violence against women to trend around International Women's Day. Police opened an investigation into the posts, which were eventually removed from the platform.
What happened
Videos circulated widely on TikTok coinciding with International Women's Day on March 8, showing men simulating kicks, punches and stabbings against mannequins representing female figures. The accompanying text justified violence in response to romantic rejection, stating phrases such as 'entrenando por si ella dice que no' (training in case she says no).
The videos trended under the hashtag 'En caso que diga no' (In case she says no). Police identified at least four profiles responsible for publishing the material.
Reported impact
The Brazilian government's State Attorney warned that the videos could constitute crimes of incitement to femicide, bodily injury and psychological violence. The videos occurred in a context where Brazil recorded 1,518 women murdered in 2025, the highest figure in a decade since femicide was classified as a crime.
Index analysis
The Ministry of Justice sent an official request to TikTok asking for information about its moderation systems, the functioning of its recommendation algorithm, and whether the profiles that distributed the videos received any economic compensation. The platform was given five days to respond.
Brazil's Supreme Court had recently expanded the civil liability of social networks, establishing that they must act proactively regarding content that constitutes crimes against women.
Governance controls
TikTok stated that the identified publications were removed and that its team works to detect possible infringing content.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.