TikTok has announced plans to work with fact-checkers and other stakeholders to combat misinformation and uphold election integrity on its platform as the Pakistan parliamentary election holds on February 8, 2024.
The platform’s latest initiatives are to ensure a safe, authentic, and reliable information environment during this important period.
Building on its robust global framework to combat misinformation, TikTok said it is collaborating with the internationally recognised fact-checking organisation Agence France-Presse (AFP) as its fact-checker to address the Pakistani electoral context specifically.
The platform stated that transparency and collaboration are at the core of its efforts.
“By working closely with experts, safety advisory councils, and civil society organisations, TikTok enhances its policy framework and ensures the elevation of reliable information sources within the app,” the statement stated.
Additionally, TikTok is working closely with local community partner organisations in Pakistan to ensure the platform’s integrity.
“These partnerships enable TikTok to identify potential misinformation, take action on it, and share accurate information with its community around important events. TikTok’s fact-checking partners do not moderate content on the platform, but their assessments provide valuable input which helps the app in taking appropriate action that upholds its community guidelines,” the statement added.
TikTok’s strategy includes innovative product features aimed at enhancing user awareness and participation in maintaining platform integrity.
“These partnerships enable TikTok to identify potential misinformation, take action on it, and share accurate information with its community around important events. TikTok’s fact-checking partners do not moderate content on the platform, but their assessments provide valuable input which helps the app in taking appropriate action that upholds its community guidelines,” the statement added.
The app also launched the Pakistan Election Centre on the platform, which is a dedicated hub, available both in English and Urdu, that will direct users to authoritative information on the election, including voting procedures and locations.
Nurudeen Akewushola is a fact-checker with FactCheckHub. He has authored several fact checks which have contributed to the fight against information disorder. You can reach him via [email protected] and @NurudeenAkewus1 via Twitter.
