Banned political ads on TikTok amid 2024 election scrutiny

Since TikTok’s ban on political advertising, the platform has faced scrutiny over the presence of political messages that violate its guidelines. The company claims to employ over 40,000 trust and safety experts to monitor content, yet many videos promoting political issues have slipped through the cracks. Notably, these ads often align with left-leaning causes, including voter registration campaigns and advocacy for climate change and gun violence initiatives. TikTok’s unique position as a Chinese-owned platform has led to heightened scrutiny from U.S. lawmakers, particularly regarding national security and the potential influence on American elections. As TikTok navigates this complex landscape, the challenge remains to uphold its policies while addressing the growing presence of political content on its platform.

TikTok’s Political Advertising Policy

• TikTok banned all political advertising in 2019, aiming to create a space for creativity and enjoyment without divisive content.
• Despite this ban, the platform has seen numerous instances of political ads, particularly from organizations affiliated with prominent political figures and causes.

Content Moderation Challenges

• The platform has reportedly removed 99% of violations against its “Civic and Election Integrity” policy before they were reported, but many problematic videos still appear.
• Examples include content encouraging voter registration and specific political stances, which contradict TikTok’s stated policies against political ads.

Implications for the 2024 Election

• With the 2024 presidential election approaching, both major political parties are leveraging TikTok to engage younger voters.
• The presence of banned political ads raises questions about the platform’s ability to maintain election integrity and the potential influence of foreign ownership on American political discourse.