TikTok has issued a response to the European Union (EU), detailing its actions following the October 7 attack and addressing concerns about content moderation within the region.
Content Removal Efforts
In its statement, TikTok revealed that it has removed over 500,000 videos and shut down 8,000 livestreams in the affected region for violating platform guidelines. This substantial effort underscores the company’s commitment to maintaining a safe and compliant online environment.
EU Urgency and Compliance
European Commissioner Thierry Breton urged TikTok’s CEO to intensify efforts and clarify compliance with European law within 24 hours. Breton cited concerns regarding the dissemination of illegal content and disinformation within the EU, particularly in the aftermath of terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel.
Company Initiatives
TikTok emphasized its swift response to the situation, mobilizing resources and personnel to safeguard community safety and platform integrity. The company highlighted several measures taken, including the establishment of a command center, enhancements to automated content detection systems, and the recruitment of additional moderators proficient in Arabic and Hebrew.
Collaborative Action
The EU also issued warnings to other tech giants, including X, YouTube, and Meta, regarding misinformation, setting a similar 24-hour deadline for compliance. These companies have responded with their own efforts to address concerns, such as content removal and moderation enhancements.
Meta’s Response
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, outlined its actions in response to the EU’s concerns, highlighting the removal or marking of over 795,000 pieces of content violating policies in Hebrew and Arabic in the immediate aftermath of the attacks.
Overall, these responses underscore the importance of collaboration between tech platforms and regulatory bodies to combat misinformation and ensure online safety and compliance.
