TikTok is in news again. The short video platform owned by Chinese company ByteDance is under scrutiny for allegedly promoting harmful content, leading to its user rating drop to 1.3 stars on Google Play Store from 4.6 last week.
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TikTok is not new to controversy. In July last year, the Madras High Court expressed concern over what it perceived as anti-India content and obscene video clips on TikTok, leading to the removal of the platform from Indian app stores for Android and iPhone for a while.
The latest uproar against the platform is being linked to multiple content violations, leading to protests online.
On May 18, National Commission for Women Chairperson Rekha Sharma wrote a letter to TikTok and the DGP of Maharashtra against TikTok user Faizal Siddiqui after a video that promoted violence and acid attacks on women went viral, causing massive outrage.
Following the complaint, TikTok suspended the account of Faizal Siddiqui (with 13.5 million followers) for violating "multiple community guidelines”.
The TikTok spokesperson said in a statement, “Keeping people on TikTok safe is a top priority and we make it clear in our Term of Service and Community Guidelines that clearly outlines what is not acceptable on our platform. As per the policy, we do not allow content that risks safety of others, promotes physical harm or glorifies violence against women. The behaviour in question violates our guidelines and we have taken down content, suspended the account, and are working with law enforcement agencies as appropriate."
Later, Siddiqui took to his Instagram handle and shared a cryptic note addressing his fans while stating that his intention was not to promote acid attack in the video.
While the platform was acting against Siddiqui’s account, another video allegedly promoting obscenity was brought to the attention of NCW by BJP leader Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga. Reacting to Bagga’s complaint, Sharma said the platform should be banned totally and that the NCW will take this up with the Government of India.
Hashtags such as #BanTikTok, #BanTikTokInIndia, #TikTokdown, #TikTokexposed were trending on Twitter on May 19, leading to downgrading of the application on Google Play Store.
Several TikTok critics and celebrities jumped on the bandwagon.
In response to the widespread criticism, TikTok took to Twitter to clarify its position and wrote: “TikTok is a platform that celebrates creativity and expression. We aim to create a positive in-app environment that brings people and communities together and request all our users to respect this intent.”
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