TikTok—TikTok admitted to suppressing LGBTQ+ content visibility to reduce bullying, removed same-sex couples content in multiple countries
In 2019, The Guardian reported TikTok's moderation practices resulted in removal of content positive toward LGBTQ+ people in countries including Turkey, such as same-sex couples holding hands. In December 2019, TikTok admitted it deliberately reduced the viral potential of videos made by LGBTQ+ users, claiming the goal was to 'reduce bullying' in comments. The Australian Strategic Policy Institute also found content from LGBTQ+ creators was systematically suppressed. While TikTok later updated its policies, the practice demonstrated algorithmic discrimination against marginalized communities under the guise of user protection.
Scoring Impact
| Topic | Direction | Relevance | Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Algorithmic Fairness | -against | primary | -1.00 |
| Content Moderation | -against | secondary | -0.50 |
| LGBTQ+ Rights | -against | primary | -1.00 |
| Overall incident score = | -0.828 | ||
Score = avg(topic contributions) × significance (high ×1.5) × confidence (0.66)
Evidence (2 signals)
Netzpolitik.org obtained TikTok moderation documents showing systematic LGBTQ+ and disability content suppression
German outlet Netzpolitik.org obtained leaked TikTok moderation guidelines in November 2019 showing the platform systematically suppressed content from LGBTQ+ users and users with disabilities. The documents revealed the suppression was embedded in the platform's broader moderation framework as a policy to limit reach of 'vulnerable' users.
Guardian reported TikTok removed LGBTQ+ content in Turkey and admitted to suppressing queer creators' reach
The Guardian reported in 2019 that TikTok's moderation removed content perceived as positive toward LGBTQ+ people in countries like Turkey, including videos of same-sex couples holding hands. In December 2019, TikTok confirmed it had deliberately reduced the viral potential of videos made by LGBTQ+ creators, claiming the policy was intended to 'reduce bullying' in the comments of affected videos.