Tiktok has promised to promote its black creators by laying out a slate of actions after it was accused of censorship that suppressed black people. According to The Verge's latest report, TikTok addressed the criticisms stating that its recommendation algorithm suppresses black creators by setting out a series of actions shared on Monday, June 1.
Also Read: Google Offers New Resources to Help People Assess Their Mental Health Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
The company confirmed in a blog post that it will include what it calls a "creator diversity council" to uplift and recognize the voices driving culture, creativity, and important conversations on its platform once its plan is launched. TikTok also stated that it will also build a new "user-friendly" appeals process, reassess its moderation strategies, and develop a new creator portal for expanding the company's communications and opportunities for its wider creator community.
Also Read: Microsoft Update: Artificial Intelligence is Replacing Journalists at MSN and Edge Browser; Microsoft Ends Contract with PA Media
According to the report, the company will stand in solidarity with the Black community by participating in "Black Out Tuesday," the day of action against racial discrimination and injustice that the music industry has planned. TikTok confirmed that its Sound Page will be shut down to observe a moment of reflection and action by turning off all campaigns and other playlists.
The company also pledged to donate $3 million to non-profit organizations that support the black community, and a separate $1 million donation to address racial inequality and injustice. However, TikTok didn't provide the names of the organizations they are considering.
TikTok promises to promote black content creators after being accused of using an algorithm that suppresses black people
TikTok said in its blog post that the company appreciates 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."
TikTok users started changing their profile pictures or avatars into the black power symbol in May, to protest the censorship of black content creators. It was reported that some black creators asked their non-black allies to follow at least one new black content creator, while other users started unfollowing other creators who did not support the movement.
Also Read: [HACKER] 'Anonymous' Didn't Hack Minneapolis Police; Leaked Logins and Passwords Were Repackaged From Old Breaches
The company suffered what it called a "technical glitch" shortly after the height of protests across the country opposing police brutality. The technical issue appeared to prevent videos uploaded under the #GeorgeFloyd and #BlackLivesMatter hashtags to receive views.
Tiktok still appeared to restrict the search results for other hashtags like #fuckthepolice and #acab. Although the users could still post the tags, the videos they tried to upload would not show up when the tags were used in the search bar.
In December 2019, TikTok admitted that it suppressed videos of queer, fat, and disabled creators, stating in their defense that those creators are vulnerable to cyberbullying. People with autism, birthmarks, Down syndrome, or "slight squints" were also suppressed by the company.
