TikTok cracks down on COVID-19 vaccine misinformation
It'll use banners and tags to push people toward reliable sources like the CDC.
TikTok on Tuesday revealed its efforts to fight misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine, as the preventive measure rolls out in the US. The video streaming platform will push people toward trustworthy sources like the CDC, as part of a wider update to its community guidelines.
If you search for vaccine information in-app, a banner will direct you to expert information. Tags will be applied automatically to all videos with words and hashtags related to the vaccine, and they'll have banners attached with a "Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines" message.
"As COVID-19 vaccines are developed and approved, we're furthering our efforts to support the wellbeing of our community by making authoritative information about vaccines readily available," Kevin Morgan, TikTok's European head of product, said in a blog post. "At the same time, we continue to remove misinformation about the coronavirus and vaccinations. Keeping our community safe is a commitment with no finish line."
The FDA granted approval to Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine late Friday for use in the US, just days after it was approved in Canada and the UK. The first vaccinations are being given to health care workers and high-risk individuals.
Because the rollout of the vaccine will take months, public health officials are urging people to continue with wearing masks, social distancing and handwashing, among other measures, to keep the novel coronavirus in check.
See also: First US COVID-19 vaccines have begun. Where you are in line and how long you could wait
