Social media platform TikTok has vowed to take action against any users who violated the company's community guidelines by spreading false theories in relation to the disappearance of Nicola Bulley.
A body was found in the search for Ms Bulley on Sunday, a full 23 days after the mum-of-two disappeared while out walking her dog on her usual route along a path next to the River Wyre in Lancashire. On Monday, confirmation came from authorities that the body is indeed Ms Bulley's.
The case continues to dominate headlines, as Nicola's family, friends and those who observed the investigation from afar await answers.
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There has been no shortage of criticism levelled at investigators throughout the course of the search, with police slammed for sharing information about Nicola's vulnerabilities, including reported issues with alcohol and menopause.
Wannabe detectives on social media have also faced fierce ridicule for interfering with the official search, as baseless theories and hunches were shared by many on platforms such as TikTok. Some social media sleuths even made the trip to the area where the 45-year-old went missing with the goal of filming videos for their fans online.
In a statement after Nicola's body was found, her family said: "Do the press and other media channels and so-called professionals not know when to stop? These are our lives and our children's lives!"
At a press conference at Lancashire Constabulary’s HQ last Wednesday, officers stated that: "TikTokers have been playing private detectives" near the area where Nicola went missing.
Detective Superintendent Rebecca Smith said investigating officers had been "inundated with false information, accusations and rumours" relating to the case and when asked if "social media video-makers and wannabe detectives have been an annoyance or a hindrance in the inquiry", she said: "Yes, it has significantly distracted the investigation."
TikTok, where theories about what might have happened to Nicola abounded, has now released a statement in response to the criticism.
A TikTok spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are with Ms Bulley's family and friends at this difficult time. We do not tolerate bullying or harassment on TikTok and remove content that violates our policies."
They added: "We have mobilised resources to monitor the evolving conversation about this case. We are taking action against violations of our Community Guidelines, including removing content and accounts, and limiting the reach of some content by making it ineligible for recommendation."
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