TikTok caught suppressing videos of users with disabilities and more
TikTok is getting flak for removing videos of people with disabilities, including Down’s syndrome and autism, as well as physical deformities. Even LGBTQ users and obese users promoting “fat acceptance” have had their videos suppressed. But TikTok said its goal wasn’t censorship, it was merely aiming to protect users from bullying.
A TikTok spokesperson said the policy was meant to be temporary.
“Early on, in response to an increase in bullying on the app, we implemented a blunt and temporary policy,” the China-based company said. “This was never designed to be a long-term solution, but rather a way to help manage a troubling trend. While the intention was good, it became clear that the approach was wrong and we have since removed the policy in favor of more nuanced anti-bullying policies and in-app protections.”
In the wake of the backlash from people with disabilities and other users affected by the policy, TikTok ended it. Alice Wong, the founder and director of the Disability Visibility Project, said the policy was wrong-headed, no matter how well-intentioned.
“TikTok, the social media sensation du jour, has apparently been hobbling users who have physical disabilities. It did so in a misguided attempt to shield these people from bullying — heavy emphasis on the word ‘misguided,’” Wong tweeted.
-
Maybe this is my claustrophobia talking, but I’m not big on caves. They’re dank, they’re cramped, and you are...
-
In the world of spies and espionage, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach. Sure, you have your...
-
Since its open beta launch in July of 2022, Warner Bros. crossover fighting game MultiVersus has managed to build...
-
It’s a well-documented fact that cats look good in hats, and out of all possible hats to put on...
-
In the original Resident Evil 4, you could unlock all kinds of cool weapons, outfits, and features by beating...
-
Blacksmiths are naturally hard-working folks. You kinda have to have a good business acumen to be willing to stand...
-
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild featured a nifty handful of abilities, activated via Link’s Sheikah Slate,...
-
It’s been nearly three years since the release of Genshin Impact, and thanks to its absolutely dynamite reception, Chinese...
-
The original version of Resident Evil 4 was packed to the gills with guns to buy and wield, from...
-
In One Piece, the ruler of Amazon Lily, Boa Hancock, uses the power of the Love-Love Fruit, allowing her...
-
Redfall, the upcoming vampire-busting game developed by Arkane, with backing from Bethesda and Microsoft, has been primarily advertised as...
-
It’s always kind of a weird experience when you buy a new game console, isn’t it? You’ve spent so...