Video-based social media platform TikTok on Tuesday said it launched a programme to uphold and protect election integrity on its platform ahead of the February 8 general elections through a combination of automated and manual moderation processes. The initiative is part of TikTok's stated commitment to being a responsible and reliable source of information, especially during critical civic events such as elections.
A statement issued by the social media giant on Tuesday said TikTok had put in place robust measures to combat critical issues of misinformation, violence, and hate speech in line with its community guidelines. The guidelines are available in English and Urdu.
TikTok said it launched the Pakistan Election Centre on the platform, which will be available in English and Urdu. The hub will direct users to authoritative election information, including voting procedures and locations.
Enhanced by advanced technology and local language support, the platform said it was poised to ensure a safe environment free from violations of its Community Guidelines.
With regard to misleading information, the platform said it would remove false or misleading information about voter registration, candidate eligibility, ballot counting, and election results.
TikTok said its policies strictly prohibit content which intimidates voters, suppresses voting, or incites violence.
To monitor content posted on its platform, TikTok said it has over 40,000 personnel deputed globally, in conjunction with advanced technology, complemented by collaborations with intelligence firms, industry partners, and civil society organisations to ensure user safety on its platform.
Moreover, to counter misinformation, TikTok said it works with local and regional fact-checkers to help the platform consistently and accurately remove election misinformation.
TikTok said any content which puts it under review or has been identified as unsubstantiated will be restricted from the "For You Feed", and both viewers and creators are alerted about the potential misleading nature of such content.
Regarding political ads, TikTok said it has a designated policy for accounts belonging to a government, politician, or political party, which removes their ability to give or receive money through advertising, fundraising, or TikTok monetisation tools.