TikTok, the global social media giant, denies all claims of pro-Palestine and antisemitism by its algorithm amid the Israel-Hamas war.

The platform, which has over 1 billion users asserts its commitment to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment and insists that people need to separate fact from fiction.

TikTok clarified that hashtags are created and added by content creators, not TikTok itself. The prevalence of hashtags like #freepalestine and #standwithpalestine is attributed to the substantial viewership in regions such as the Middle East and South East Asia, leading to a potentially skewed representation of content.

TikTok dismantles the notion that a simple comparison of hashtag volume provides a complete picture. For instance, #standwithIsrael may have fewer associated videos than #freePalestine, but it garners 68 per cent more views per video in the US, indicating a significant reach. The platform also highlights the removal of 100 per cent of antisemitic or Holocaust denial content reported through its Community Partner Channel, underscoring proactive efforts to eliminate hate speech before it’s reported.

Addressing concerns about the platform’s recommendation algorithm, TikTok asserts its neutrality and rigorous measures against manipulation. The algorithm relies on user engagement to tailor content recommendations, ensuring a diverse and safe experience. Third-party access to TikTok’s source code is granted to verify the system’s integrity, a step unparalleled in the industry.

In response to the Israel-Hamas conflict, TikTok activated a command centre, deploying additional resources and personnel. Between October 7 and October 31, the platform removed over 925,000 videos in the conflict region, targeting policy violations related to violence, hate speech, misinformation, and terrorism. Strict policies against antisemitism and Islamophobia are emphasised, with the global removal of 730,000 videos for violating rules on hateful behaviour during the same period.

TikTok’s commitment extends to combating misinformation through collaboration with fact-checking organisations and the removal of over 50,000 videos containing harmful misinformation globally. Efforts to curb fake accounts and engagement have resulted in the removal of more than 24 million fake accounts and over half a million bot comments related to the conflict since October 7.

The platform addresses the perception that attitudes among young people are influenced by TikTok, stating that support for Palestine was already evident among younger Americans before the platform’s existence. Gallup polling data from March 2023 illustrates a decline in support for Israel among younger Americans over the past decade, predating TikTok’s inception.

TikTok acknowledges the ongoing need for platform safety improvements and commits to open dialogue with the community, civil society, non-profits, and others to ensure a secure and inclusive space for authentic self-expression.