TikTok announced Thursday, May 23, that it will impose new limits on state-backed media to combat foreign influence on the app. This move comes as many nations prepare for key election years.

State-affiliated media are those that are influenced or controlled by a government, as defined by TikTok.

Restricted State-Affiliated Media

In a new regulation implemented by TikTok, any state-affiliated media that aims to reach audiences outside of their nation about current global events and affairs will not be allowed to appear on the app's personalized "For You" feed, as reported by the South China Morning Post.

In addition, the business said these accounts could not advertise on TikTok outside their primary associated nation.

TikTok also said that in the first quarter of 2024, it discovered and deactivated 3,001 accounts linked to 15 influence activities. Most of these networks were reportedly trying to influence election-related political conversations among their viewers.

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TikTok vs. US

This announcement follows a dispute between TikTok and the United States, which is gearing up for the crucial presidential elections in November.

The Chinese firm ByteDance owns the video-sharing platform. Thus, administration officials and lawmakers believe the app threatens national security, sparking heated arguments on Capitol Hill and at the White House.

Nevertheless, TikTok has denied the allegations and filed a lawsuit against the US in response to new laws that could require a divestiture from its parent company.

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