As Pakistan gears up for its general elections on February 8, 2024 popular video-sharing platform TikTok has introduced “election integrity measures” to combat disinformation, violence and hate speech. In a bid to contribute to transparency and the democratic process, TikTok has introduced the ‘Pakistan Election Centre’ on its platform.
This dedicated hub available in both English and Urdu is designed to direct users to authoritative information about the upcoming elections. It includes details about voting procedures, locations and other essential election-related information. Importantly, TikTok aims to filter out misleading, false, 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 is committed to banning accounts and removing content that goes against its community guidelines ensuring a safe digital space for users.
Recognizing the potential influence of social media in shaping public opinion, TikTok has implemented stringent measures for government, politician or political party accounts. These measures restrict their ability to engage in financial transactions through advertising, fundraising or TikTok monetization tools.
Collaborating with intelligence firms, industry partners and civil society organizations, TikTok employs a global team of over 40,000 personnel along with advanced technology to ensure user safety and promote democratic governance. The platform works closely with local and regional fact-checkers to filter out content and information that may violate community guidelines.
Misinformation and disinformation pose significant challenges especially in the context of global elections. The World Economic Forum identifies misinformation as the second biggest global risk. As 2024 marks a global election year, TikTok’s responsible commitment to election integrity showcases its dedication to providing a safe and trustworthy platform for users.
In an era where social media plays a pivotal role in shaping public discourse, TikTok’s efforts to combat misinformation contribute to fostering a transparent electoral environment. The platform’s collaboration with various stakeholders and its focus on user safety highlight its commitment to responsible digital citizenship.
