The more toxic TikTok app version in the U.K. concerns many campaigners.
Because of this issue, they are asking the social media giant to expand its optional personalized algorithm feature.
More Toxic TikTok Version in UK Concerns Campaigners
In this photo illustration, a TikTok logo is displayed on an iPhone on February 28, 2023 in London, England. This week, the US government and European Union's parliament have announced bans on installing the popular social media app on staff devices.
According to The Guardian's latest report, TikTok decided to make its personalized algorithm across Europe option.
In August, the social media giant allowed users in 30 countries across the European Economic Area to opt out of the app's personalized algorithm.
However, there's one problem. The United Kingdom still hasn't received this enhancement. Experts said this leaves the U.K. with a more toxic and less safe app version.
Since this could negatively affect users, U.K.-based campaigners are now asking TikTok to make its new feature widely available.
Recently, a TikTok spokesperson explained that the feature allowing users to opt out of the app's personalized content recommendations was released to comply with the EU's new Digital Services Act.
The official added that the requirements under the Digital Services Act don't apply in the United Kingdom.
Since the U.K. is a special case, the social media company said that it doesn't have any plan to provide the new functionality to users in the country.
As of writing, the best thing that U.K. users can do is wait for further announcements from TikTok.
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Problem With TikTok's Personalized Algorithm
In this photo illustration, a TikTok logo is displayed on an iPhone on February 28, 2023 in London, England. This week, the US government and European Union's parliament have announced bans on installing the popular social media app on staff devices.
Center for Countering Digital Hate Chief Executive Imran Ahmed explained that TikTok's personalized algorithm shows users harmful content.
These include videos about self-harm as well as eating disorders. Since a feature already makes personalized content recommendations options, Ahmed said the company should extend it to other parts of the world.
"Given they have already built the functionality, it would be frankly ridiculous if they did not," he explained.
One situation that shows the adverse effects of TikTok's personalized algorithm is the riots happening in the U.K.
Police authorities warned that numerous TikTok videos encouraging people to loot shops are spreading, as reported by LatestLy.
They specifically issued a warning for businesses in Broadway Shopping Center in Bexleyheath.
If you want to learn more about the riots triggered by TikTok, you can click this link.
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