TikTok restricts state-affiliated media accounts

TikTok is restricting state-affiliated media accounts, broadening the platform’s efforts to foster “authenticity” and limit its influence heading into elections later this year. 

The social media platform announced Thursday that accounts “that attempt to reach communities outside their home country on current global events and affairs” will not pop up in the personalized feeds of users. 

TikTok started labeling some state-affiliated accounts in 2022. The following year, it expanded to more than 40 countries. 

TikTok also said Thursday that state-affiliated media accounts will not be able to advertise on the platform outside the country in which they are primarily based. 

“This is an additional measure to prevent accounts from attempting to reach wider communities on these topics,” TikTok said. 

The video-sharing platform is expanding its push to curb propaganda, which is something other social media platforms also have contended with. 

The platform is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese-based company. It has been embroiled in contentious debates on Capitol Hill and at the White House, with administration officials and members stating the app is a threat to national security. 

TikTok has shut down those claims and has sued the U.S. over recently passed legislation that forces a divestiture from its parent company. 

“From enforcing robust policies against harmful misinformation to investing in media literacy for our community through in-app features and educational campaigns, we’ll continue to aggressively protect our platform’s integrity while empowering our community to create and enjoy authentic content and interactions on TikTok,” the company said.