TikTok apologizes after allegations that it suppressed black creators

This Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020 photo shows the icon for TikTok taken in New York. From the perspective of teens flooding onto TikTok, the Chinese-owned online video app is a major new outlet for self-expression, one proudly home to the silly, the loud and the weird. To others, though, the service is an unnerving black box that could be sharing information with the Chinese government, facilitating espionage, or just promoting videos and songs some parents consider lewd. (AP Photo) | Associated Press

Critics said the app hid hashtags of black creators

TikTok outlined a number of steps to address criticisms about how its algorithm suppresses black creators and the ongoing protests over the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in Minnesota.

• TikTok said in a statement that it will soon create a “creator diversity council” that will recognize and uplift “voices driving culture, creativity, and important conversations on the platform.”
• TikTok will also participate in the “Black Out Tuesday” campaign by shutting down its Sounds page and turn off all playlists, allowing people a chance to reflect on what’s happening.
• “We appreciate being held accountable. We know that getting to a place of trust will take work, but we are dedicated to doing our part as we continue to foster a space where everyone is seen and heard.”
• “Our platform exists to create joy and inspiration, and that is made better because of our diverse community of users, creators, partners, artists, and employees. It’s important to us that nobody feels unwelcome, unheard, or unsafe on TikTok. We are inspired by our Black creators, artists, and partners who have touched so many people across the country and around the world. Without them, TikTok would not be the joyful and creative community we aspire to be.”

What happened:

• In May, TikTok faced allegations that it hid hashtags related to the ongoing protests, including #BlackLivesMatter and #GeorgeFloyd, according to The Verge. The hashtags appeared on the app as if they didn’t have any views. All hashtags show how many videos views there are for each video labeled with the hashtag.
• TikTok said it was a “technical glitch” that made it appear that way.
• TikTok previously faced criticisms for censoring videos made by vulnerable populations, including “disabled, queer, and fat creators,” according to The Verge.

from Deseret News https://ift.tt/2Xsj5Qh