TikTok restrains tool that tracks popular hashtags.
TikTok has quietly restricted its flagship Creative Center tool. Used to track the success of hashtags, advertisers, researchers, and lawmakers exploit this feature to examine the app’s content concerning the Israel-Hamas war and geopolitics. TikTok’s critics apply the tool to support their statements that the app exhibits inadequate content moderation, and it is influence by Beijing. The Creative Center is now centered on sharing hashtag data concerning various industries such as pets and travel. TikTok representative Alex Haurek said, “Unfortunately, some individuals and organizations have misused the Center’s search function to draw inaccurate conclusions, so we are changing some of the features to ensure it is used for its intended purpose.” Consequently, the app has come under analysis since the start of the war as concerns mount over the app’s influence and Beijing’s possible involvement in the content displayed. The Network Contagion Research Institute at Rutgers University found that topics, such as the Uyghur population and Hong Kong protests which China suppresses, received limited representation compared to Instagram’s overrepresentation. The tool’s restrictions have made data concerning topics like #BLM, #Trump2024, and #Biden unobtainable. These sudden changes signify odd behavior from TikTok, especially considering that previously, the app distanced itself from Beijing’s influence. TikTok stated, “The report used a flawed methodology to reach a predetermined, false conclusion,” in response to the accusations. Despite this, lawmakers and experts have shown appreciation for the report’s part in regulating TikTok. Additionally, other experts have proposed that the United States should impose regulations compelling social media platforms to share their data with external researchers.
