American social media platform TikTok is facing public scrutiny after leaked documents suggest that the company favours beautiful people.
The leaked documents have revealed that Tiktok intentionally boosts the of users they consider beautiful. It is noted that the contents of the users they consider less attractive are suppressed.
The moderators are allegedly told to promote content from ‘attractive’ users. This could explain why you are most likely to see videos of people with, clear skin, BBL bodies and other body enhancements.
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Tikktok is also being criticised for deliberately reducing the popularity of the people they consider ugly. Also, TikTok made attempts to suppress the contents of people with disability.
This raises questions on fairness and inclusion. For many creators, they joined the platform to promote their businesses, crafts and for many other reasons. Should their efforts not be seen because of how they look?
Moreover, TikTok seems to be undermining the World’s effort to promote fairness and inclusion. The company’s attempt to reduce or suppress the contents of people with disability is a sharp contrast to what the world is trying to achieve.
The leaked documents have provoked reactions from civil society. The Oversight Project called out TikTok for the lack of transparency on child safety. According to them, the social media platform knows exactly what they are about.
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“These unredacted documents prove that TikTok knows exactly what it’s doing to our kids-and the rot goes all the way to the top.” They said.
The bipartisan Senators have also asked TikTok to provide all documents related to the safety of kids across the app.
The letter seeks to immediately correct the various issues raised. It will also promote accountability in the company’s practices.
However, TikTok has denied the allegations. They said the reports are misleading. TikTok claims that the leaked documents are outdated.
They added that even the quotes from these outdated documents have been taken out of context. They maintain that they provide comprehensive safety guidelines for children.
Some users of TikTok are not happy with the news. They bemoan their great efforts going to waste because they do not have attractive bodies. They are not happy with the beauty-centric algorithm deployed by the platform.
“I put my heart in my words and videos, and that’s what hurts because sometimes the message doesn’t get out due to how I’m looking. I want to connect with people through my song, not just by how I’m supposed to look.” an anonymous user shares her concern.
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Colbert on X, shares similar sentiments, ”
Apparently the algorithm is cr***y. It has face recognition, it checks out the colour of your skin. If you are black, fat or ugly they don’t push your content as much, they push whites more”.
Meanwhile, 14 states have dragged TikTok to court. Championed by the California and New York states, they are suing TikTok for allegedly deceiving the public about the safety of the platform for children.
They claim it was deliberately designed to keep kids addicted to its services. As a result, the platform has violated consumer protection laws and contributed to the mental crisis in teens.
The suits seek to compel TikTok to change its features and to impose financial penalties on the platform.