The social media platform TikTok denied the allegations made by the Malaysian government that it was restricting pro-Palestinian content, calling them "unfounded."
The Muslim-majority nation warned of action against TikTok and Meta on Thursday (October 26) after the platforms were accused of restricting content supporting Palestinians.
Meta already responded on Thursday, saying that there was "no truth" to the accusation and that it was not deliberately suppressing voices on Facebook.
TikTok Calls Malaysia's Claims 'Unfounded'
In an email to Reuters on Friday (October 27), a TikTok representative also rejected Malaysia's accusation it was blocking pro-Palestinian content.
"The claim is unfounded," the spokesperson said. "Our community guidelines apply equally to all content on TikTok, and we're committed to consistently enforcing our policies to protect our community."
Both Meta and TikTok designated Hamas -- the Palestinian Islamist movement governing Gaza that was declared a terrorist organization by several Western countries -- a "dangerous organization" and banned content praising it.
Hamas initiated a terrorist raid on October 7, which resulted in the death of some 1,400 people and the abduction of over 200.
Meanwhile, the Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry's Thursday death tool due to Israeli airstrikes reached up to 7,028, but this claim could not be independently verified.
Read Also: Telegram Blocks Hamas Channels on Android
The TikTok logo is displayed on signage outside TikTok social media app company offices in Culver City, California, on March 16, 2023. TikTok has denied Malaysia's allegations that it has been restricting pro-Palestinian content on its platform, calling them 'unfounded.'
Social Media Platforms Working to Moderate Posts
Since the Israel-Hamas War began, both firms have taken steps to improve moderation, as well as remove or label graphic visuals, partially due to the demands made by the European Union and its Digital Services Act.
Meta has so far taken down or labeled nearly 800,000 pieces of content in Hebrew and Arabic in the days since Hamas's sabbath attack.
TikTok, for its part, said it had removed over 775,000 videos and 14,000 livestreams since the attack.
X, the Elon Musk-owned social media platform formerly known as Twitter, has also been investigated by the EU over the rampant disinformation spreading on the platform since October 7.
Also on Thursday, Telegram restricted access to the channels belonging to Hamas in order to limit its online influence after pressure from critics.
Related Article: Malaysia Takes Stand, Issues Warnings to TikTok, Meta Over Suppression of Pro-Palestinian Content
