TikTok has removed accounts associated with two Russian media organisations, Rossiya Segodnya and TV-Novosti, for attempting to exert ‘covert influence’ on the upcoming United States presidential election.
Foreign influence
As the 2024 election approaches, social media companies continue to face pressure to address the risks of foreign influence and misinformation campaigns.
The Chinese-owned platform announced the decision on September 24, saying the accounts violated its guidelines against state-affiliated interference.
Rossiya Segodnya and TV-Novosti are behind the Sputnik news agency and the RT broadcaster, respectively, both of which have been labelled ‘state-affiliated’ by TikTok.
The platform’s move comes shortly after Meta banned Rossiya Segodnya, RT, and other related entities from its platforms for engaging in ‘foreign interference activity’.
Russian state interests
The US Justice Department had recently charged two RT employees with funnelling nearly US$10 million into a US-based company, Tenet Media, which was used to promote content aligning with Russian state interests.
The covert campaign targeted American voters ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Tenet Media features high-profile right-wing commentators, many of whom have distanced themselves from the allegations, claiming they were unaware of any Russian connections.
This crackdown on foreign interference highlights ongoing concerns about the role of social media in US elections.
TikTok ban still in play
TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has itself faced scrutiny for its potential vulnerability to manipulation by the Chinese Government.
Earlier this year, President Joe Biden signed a bill that could lead to a nationwide ban on TikTok unless it finds a new owner, a measure the company is currently challenging in court.