TIKTOK: TO BAN OR NOT TO BAN?
Violent and repulsive videos, which recently surfaced on the platform, have outraged netizens who want action against the app
inding ways to kill lockdown boredom, people seem to be going overboard with both creating and consuming content online. However, some TikTok users are promoting misogynist and sexually violent content in the name of entertainment.
Just a day after TikToker Faizal Siddiqui’s account was removed following a video of him throwing liquid (suggesting acid) on a girl’s face who refused his advances, another repulsive video surfaced on the platform — this time advocating rape. It shows TikToker Mujibur Rehman and his friend zipping up their pants as a girl sobs and adjusts her clothes.
Enraged, netizens made #BanTikTok #TikTokDown and #TikTokExposed trend on Twitter. Seeking a ban on the app, Rekha Sharma, chairperson, National Commission for Women, tweeted, “...TikTok is pushing youngsters towards unproductive life where they are living only for few followers...” Activists believe mindsets are the problem. Yogita Bhayana, founder, PARI (People Against Rapes in India), says, “I felt so bad seeing that girl in the video. Do these kids even know the meaning of rape? When we talk about sexual violence, it’s not related to men or women, both need to be sensitised — at homes, in schools, offices, police stations, everywhere.”
Actor Shilpa Shetty Kundra, who is quite active on TikTok, says, “There are guidelines on these platforms... I strongly condemn such content.”
Actor Vikrant Massey, who played an activist helping acid attack victims in Chhapaak, feels “grassroots problems need to be solved”. Taapsee Pannu, who played a sexual assault victim in Pink (2016) and stood up to domestic violence in Thappad, feels the age-old misogyny is so deeprooted, “it’ll take a long time to wash it out”.
As the debate raged, TikTok shared a message on social media: “We aim to create a positive in-app environment...request all our users to respect this intent.”
We reached out to several TikTok stars, but since most of them are young, even minors, their parents didn’t want them to comment. However, the father of a popular TikToker and TV actor, says on condition of anonymity, “I keep a close check on whatever content my daughter creates and posts on these platforms.”
TikToker Manoj Jadhav (27) feels banning the app won’t help, adding, “So many people who’re talented...have become popular on TikTok. But some create offensive content only to boost follower count. They must be banned.”
While Harshal Hirve, community manager at Tiktok India, admits every user can’t be monitored, he says, “If something disturbs our platform, we’ll definitely act.”