The use of TikTok by Russian state-affiliated accounts has increased ahead of the U.S. presidential election, according to a new study by the Brookings Institution. The report reveals that Russia is using TikTok to spread Kremlin messages in both English and Spanish, with state-linked accounts posting more frequently than they did before. While these accounts are also active on other social media platforms like Telegram and X, they have seen higher user engagement on TikTok in terms of likes, views, and shares. This presents a new avenue for Russia to reach younger audiences with its propaganda efforts.
Most of the content posted by these state-affiliated accounts on TikTok does not focus on U.S. politics but rather on topics like the war in Ukraine and NATO. However, posts related to U.S. politics tend to touch on divisive issues such as U.S. policy on Israel and Russia, as well as questions about President Joe Biden’s age. The report highlights the potential for Russia to use TikTok to influence global audiences and spread misinformation on a wide range of topics.
In response to these findings, TikTok has stated that it has removed covert influence operations in the past and shut down accounts, including 13 networks operating from Russia. The company also labels state-controlled media accounts and plans to expand this policy to address accounts that attempt to reach audiences outside their home countries regarding current global events. This proactive approach by TikTok is aimed at preventing the spread of disinformation and propaganda on its platform.
The release of the Brookings report comes on the heels of President Biden signing legislation that could potentially force TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, to sell the platform or face a ban in the U.S. This move is seen as a response to concerns about Chinese influence and data privacy on the popular video-sharing app. However, any ban on TikTok is expected to face legal challenges, and the platform continues to be a focal point for international efforts to combat misinformation and propaganda.
Overall, the study by the Brookings Institution sheds light on the evolving tactics used by Russia to disseminate propaganda through platforms like TikTok. By leveraging the high user engagement on the platform, state-affiliated accounts are able to reach new, younger audiences with their messages. As social media platforms continue to play a significant role in shaping public opinion and influencing political discourse, it is crucial for companies like TikTok to remain vigilant in detecting and preventing the spread of disinformation by malicious actors. The findings of this report underscore the need for increased transparency and accountability in the digital space to safeguard against foreign interference in democratic processes.
