Opinion | 2024 Indonesian election: How TikTok can stamp out hate and disinformation and become an inclusive platform
- Without proper oversight, TikTok could be a breeding ground for groups that engage in cyber activities, often with the goal of influencing public opinion
- To tackle this issue, TikTok must enhance AI and machine learning algorithms with diverse data sets for improved propaganda detection
So it is imperative to scrutinise its potential impact on Indonesian public opinion. And the public must also pressure TikTok to boost monitoring of what is said on the platform.
Ethnoreligious propaganda on TikTok
TikTok has experienced remarkable growth and gained immense popularity, especially among younger audiences in Southeast Asia, underlining its significant effects on public opinion and behaviours.
This was clearly demonstrated during protests against the 2020 Indonesia Omnibus Law on Labour, when young Indonesians effectively utilised the app to disseminate political messages and rally support.
In Indonesia, a multicultural country with a multitude of ethnic and religious communities, the rise of ethnoreligious hate speech as well as misinformation and disinformation in the digital realm has emerged as a pressing issue.
