Feb 8 polls - how TikTok can contribute to transparency
Technology
TikTok's 'Pakistan Election Centre' will filter out hateful information
(Web Desk) – Chinese-owned popular video-sharing platform TikTok has unveiled its "election integrity measures," community guidelines for Pakistan to combat disinformation, violence, and hate speech ahead of the general elections 2024.
A significant element of TikTok’s strategy is the launch of the ‘Pakistan Election Centre’ on the platform, available in both English and Urdu.
This hub will direct users to authoritative information on the election, including voting procedures and locations. The platform will remove misleading, wrong, hateful, and biased information related to voting results, ballot counting, voters, and candidates.
TikTok’s policies strictly prohibit content that intimidates voters, suppresses voting, or incites violence. The platform aims to ban accounts and remove content that goes against community guidelines.
TikTok has implemented significant policies for government, politician, or political party accounts, restricting their ability to engage in financial transactions through advertising, fundraising, or TikTok monetization tools.
The platform aims to provide an authentic user experience, enhanced by advanced technology and local language support, the platform is poised to ensure a safe environment free from violations of its community guidelines.
TikTok, in collaboration with intelligence firms, industry partners, and civil society organizations, utilizes a global team of over 40,000 personnel along with advanced technology to ensure user safety and promote democratic governance.
TikTok collaborates with local and regional fact-checkers to filter out content and information and restrict access for viewers and creators.
According to a World Economic Forum (WEF) survey, misinformation or disinformation is the second biggest global risk. As 2024 is the global election year, misinformation coupled with Artificial Intelligence could create disruptions and alter voting results.
The use of social media by political parties to sway the public and disseminate their narrative has negative implications as well. Political rivals and non-state actors would promote hate and biased information.
The platform’s responsible commitment shows that its policies are safe and trustworthy for its users.
