TikTok is taking its quest to be an entertainment platform first and foremost seriously. Political accounts will be banned from monetizing the platform starting today (September 21).
Politicians and political parties can no longer use monetization features on TikTok, such as gift-giving, tipping, e-commerce, creator marketplaces, and the TikTok Creators Fund. Additionally, political accounts can no longer advertise on TikTok. Political accounts include politicians, political parties, and government-run entities.Full list of which accounts qualify as political accounts Go to the TikTok website.
TikTok is launching an ‘election hub’ to combat midterm misinformation
In the press release, TikTok acknowledged that in limited circumstances, government accounts will be granted access to TikTok ads. For example, COVID-19 booster ads are still allowed on the platform, but all government organizations must work with TikTok representatives to run ads on the app.
TikTok previously banned all political advertising ahead of the 2020 election, and today’s ban on political accounts’ access to advertising features will further enforce that ban.
Today’s announcement is one of a series of TikTok updates ahead of the US midterm elections in November. In August, it began rolling out “Election Centers” to combat misinformation. In the “coming weeks,” TikTok will change its policy on campaign fundraising, essentially banning it, meaning politicians will no longer be able to ask for donations on the platform.
