TikTok to Combat Misinformation
LONDON — In preparation for the upcoming European Union elections, TikTok revealed plans to implement fact-checking hubs within the app. The video-sharing platform aims to tackle misinformation by launching local language in-app “election centers” for each of the 27 EU countries.
Efforts to Ensure Election Integrity
TikTok’s initiative comes ahead of the June elections, where hundreds of millions of Europeans will vote for 720 lawmakers for the EU Parliament. Tech companies are ramping up efforts to prevent the spread of misleading content and deepfake materials, particularly with over 50 countries holding national elections in 2024.
Labeling and Providing Trusted Information
TikTok’s head of safety and integrity for EMEA, Kevin Morgan, highlighted that videos related to the EU elections will be labeled to guide users to their respective country’s in-app election center. These hubs, developed in collaboration with local electoral commissions and civil society groups, aim to provide “trusted and authoritative information.”
Continued Support and Preparedness
The establishment of these election centers builds on TikTok’s previous work during national elections in several European countries. With 134 million users in Europe, the platform is anticipating an increase in misinformation during the election period. To address this, the company is setting up a dedicated “mission control” at its European headquarters in Dublin, staffed by specialists from its trust and safety department.