As TikTok’s platform experiences a supposed surge in climate-related content, there are growing demands to censor the spread of what is deemed “misinformation” or “disinformation.” Ian Gill, TikTok’s Global Head of Sustainability, voiced these worries during the COP28 conference in Dubai. TikTok’s response? A $1 million initiative specifically for COP28 to counter this so-called misinformation, partnering with Verified for Climate – a joint project of the United Nations and Purpose.
But here’s the catch: This initiative hinges on a controversial premise. By assembling a group of “Verified Champions” – experts and scientists from Brazil, Spain, and the UAE – TikTok is essentially curating a specific narrative on climate change. These Champions guide selected TikTok creators to produce educational content that challenges what TikTok labels as climate misinformation.
Gill emphasized TikTok’s commitment to combatting harmful misinformation and promoting reliable information, but their criteria for misinformation are narrow. They ban content that contradicts the scientific consensus on climate change, including denial of its reality or causes. Yet, in doing so, they might also be stifling legitimate debates and alternative perspectives in the scientific community.
TikTok has indeed become a hub for climate change awareness and sustainable living, with hashtags like #climatechange garnering billions of views.
Gill spoke of transforming climate anxiety into empowerment and action, engaging users in climate dialogues through hashtags and documentary series. However, the effectiveness and fairness of these dialogues are under scrutiny if TikTok’s policies potentially silence dissenting voices or alternative viewpoints under the guise of fighting misinformation.
