A recent study by the nonprofit Brookings Institution has found that Russian state-affiliated accounts have increased their use of TikTok in an effort to disseminate Kremlin messages ahead of the U.S. presidential election. These accounts are posting more frequently on TikTok than they were two years ago, with a particular focus on reaching new, young audiences in English and Spanish. While these accounts are active on other social media platforms like Telegram and X, user engagement on TikTok has been much higher, with more likes, views, and shares on their posts.
The study, authored by Valerie Wirtschafter, a Brookings fellow in foreign policy and its artificial intelligence initiative, highlights the potential for Russia’s state-backed information apparatus to reach a wider audience through TikTok. While most posts do not focus on U.S. politics, those that do tend to cover divisive topics such as U.S. policy on Israel and Russia, as well as questions surrounding President Joe Biden’s age. The report also mentions that TikTok has removed covert influence operations and state-controlled media accounts in the past.
In response to the study, a TikTok spokesperson stated that the company has taken steps to remove accounts engaged in covert influence operations, including 13 networks operating from Russia. TikTok also labels state-controlled media accounts and plans to expand this policy to address accounts attempting to reach communities outside their home country on global events and affairs. This move comes as part of ongoing efforts to combat misinformation and foreign influence on the platform.
The Brookings report coincides with recent legislation signed by President Biden that could force TikTok’s parent company, China-based ByteDance, to sell the platform or face a ban in the U.S. This legislation reflects growing concerns about foreign influence and data privacy on social media platforms, particularly those with ties to countries like China and Russia. The increased use of TikTok by Russian state-affiliated accounts underscores the platform’s potential as a tool for spreading propaganda and shaping public opinion, especially among younger audiences.
As TikTok continues to grow in popularity, especially among younger demographics, it is essential for platforms like TikTok to remain vigilant against foreign influence operations. By identifying and removing state-affiliated accounts engaged in covert activities, TikTok can help protect its users from misinformation and propaganda. The Brookings report serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by foreign actors in the digital age and the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in the online space.
