TikTok on Monday set out a series of actions it plans to take in response to criticism that the recommendation algorithm is suppressing black creators.
These steps include introducing the so-called “creative diversity council” aimed at “recognizing and expanding the driving culture of words, creativity, and conversations that are central to the platform,” the company wrote in a blog post. TikTok says it will redefine its rating strategies, develop a “user-friendly” complaint process, and develop a new creator site to increase communication with “broader community opportunities.”
TikTok said it would “unite with the black community” on Tuesday by participating in “Black Out Tuesday,” a day to take action against racial justice organized by the music industry. TikTok said it would close its Audio page, turning off all playlists and campaigns “for a moment’s worth of effort and effort.” The speaker pledged a $ 3 million donation to a nonprofit that helps the black community and a separate donation of millions of dollars to address “injustice and inequality.” However, TikTok did not name any specific entities on its blog.
“We are thankful for the response. We know that getting to a place of integrity will work, but we are committed to doing our part as we continue to create a space where everyone is seen and heard,” the company writes.
In May, TikTok users began converting their profile pictures into a symbol of black power to show approval for black creators. According to CNN, TikTok users disregard other users who didn’t support the movement, and black creators have asked non-black allies to follow at least one new black composer. Not long after, and during protests across the country against police brutality, TikTok was attacked by a so-called “technical glitch” that made it appear that videos uploaded under the #BlackLivesMatter and #GeorgeFloyd hashtags received zero views.
However on Friday, TikTok appeared to block the search results of hashtags such as #acab and #fuckthepolice. Users can still use tags, but their videos won’t show up when searching for tags. In December, TikTok admitted to pressing videos on the disabled, builders, and oil makers. According to Slate, TikTok explored the videos by creators and regarded it as “potentially immune to cyberbullying.” Users with autism, Down syndrome, birthmarks, or “little ones” were banned from their videos.