TikTok is implementing new rules to restrict the reach of state-affiliated media accounts that are seeking to influence foreign audiences during a critical election year.
The platform, which began marking state-affiliated media accounts two years ago, stated on Thursday that accounts identified as trying to “engage with international communities on global events and topics” will no longer appear on the main video feed accessed by users.
TikTok also announced that in the upcoming weeks, state-affiliated media accounts will no longer be permitted to advertise on the platform outside their home country.
This policy change followed a recent report by the nonprofit Brookings Institution revealing an increase in activity by Russian state-affiliated accounts on TikTok, posting more content in English and Spanish.
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The issue of foreign propaganda spreading on social media platforms is not unique to TikTok, with Meta-owned Facebook and Instagram, as well as Elon Musk’s X, also facing similar challenges. However, TikTok, owned by ByteDance in Beijing, has been under scrutiny for its national security implications and potential ties to the Chinese government.
TikTok has refuted these allegations and is currently challenging a new law that could require it to sever ties with its parent company in order to continue operating in the U.S. ByteDance is also involved in this legal battle.
TikTok stated it will provide regular updates on its efforts to combat covert influence operations on its platform. In the first four months of this year, TikTok claimed to have thwarted 15 such operations, including one targeting audiences in Indonesia before their presidential elections earlier in the year.
